There will be extra security at the mayoral debate today, April 17, in light of the bombings of the Boston Marathon on Monday, city officials said.

The Jersey City Police Department has been operating at a higher level of security since Monday’s afternoon incident at the Boston Marathon, where three were killed and more than 170 were injured.

While there have not been threats made against Jersey City locations, its people or properties, officials are taking extra precautions until a clearer picture of the attack in Boston develops.

“We urge people to be patient and more importantly, observant,” said Mayor Jerramiah Healy in a statement. “If you believe you see something suspicious, call the police department.”

Police Chief Tom Comey announced that events where large crowds participants may be screened and or searched, as will be the case for tonight’s mayoral debate between all four candidates (Healy, Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop, Jerry Walker and Abdul Malik) at St. Peter’s University.

“In light of…tragic events in Boston, law enforcement throughout this country remains in a heightened sense of security. Events attended by large numbers of people require an increased level of screening for the safety of all those involved,” Comey said in a statement.

All attendees will be screened prior to entry to the Mac Mahon Student Center, where the debate is taking place. Guests are discouraged from bringing backpacks, gym bags and similar items which will delay the screening process as all bags will be subject to search by police personnel.

The debate will be held tonight, April 17, at 7:30 pm at the Mac Mahon Student Center at St. Peter’s University, located 2641 Kennedy Blvd. at Montgomery.

via The Jersey City Independent http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/2013/04/17/higher-security-at-jc-mayoral-debate-after-boston-massacre-bombings/

Posted by TIE on 7:27 AM. Filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0