Police increased their presence at the Long Beach Airport Tuesday following news of the Brussels terror attacks that killed over 30 people and injured many more at a subway station in the city and the city’s international airport.
Long Beach Airport police have increased patrols, as evidenced by higher visibility of officers at the location, according to airport spokeswoman Stephanie Montuya-Morisky.
Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) Chief Robert Luna told Port of Long Beach officials in an email that the agency would remain in close communication with local and federal partners.
He also said the department “will continue a focused police presence at all critical facilities,” and reminded the community to report suspicious activity.
“If you see something, say something,” Luna reminded community members.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials said they would be adding personnel at airports across the country though there are no credible threats against any domestic targets.
“As a precautionary measure, TSA is deploying additional security to major city airports in the United States and at various rail and transit stations around the country,” said U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. “TSA is also working closely with state and local law enforcement, airport authorities and the aviation industry in order to augment that security.”
Officials with Metro said Metro and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Transit Policing Division said they would be increasing security while monitoring the situation closely and maintaining a high state of readiness at all times.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Brussels and to the first responders,” LASD Transit Services Bureau spokesman Ramon Montenegro said. “We just pray that no one else gets hurt there.”
LASD officials said that in addition to the increased security at transportation hubs, the agency’s Special Operations Division resources “are on standby and are prepared to respond anywhere in the region should the need arise.”
Still processing the terrible tragedy in Brussels – I can’t comprehend how people can have this much hate
— Robert Garcia (@RobertGarciaLB) March 22, 2016
City News Service contributed to this report.