A Boston Police cruiser outside the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center. (Chris Fama/WBZ NewsRadio)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — While Mass State Police say there are no credible threats to local mosques, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is heightening security this weekend after terror attacks in New Zealand left 49 dead.
Walsh told WBZ NewsRadio the city stands with the Muslim community and the people of New Zealand after horrific terror attacks at mosques in that country left 49 dead.
"Boston's thoughts and prayers are with New Zealand and the Muslim community in New Zealand and across the world," Walsh said. "This is a terrible tragedy in a place of peace and worshiping."
On Twitter, the mayor wrote, "To my Muslim friends and neighbors, Boston stands with you and loves you."
Massachusetts State Police said in a statement that there were "no specific, credible threats to any mosques or other houses of worship in Massachusetts," but that they are monitoring developments in New Zealand.
Walsh said Boston Police would have a presence at the city's places of faith this weekend to make sure that worshipers feel safe.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama reported that BPD cruisers were present at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center in Roxbury Friday morning.
Looking back at the aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombing, Walsh said the people of Boston know how important it is to stand with communities affected by terror attacks.
"It's important for New Zealand to hear our words and prayers and thoughts," Walsh said. "I'm sure this morning they're going through a very difficult time, the whole country, not just the Muslim community, but the entire country, trying to understand what this is all about, why people do this, why there's so much hate in the world.”
Listen to Mayor Marty Walsh on WBZ NewsRadio: