MANHATTAN — The city planned to "beef up" security at Australian-related locations around New York after a gunman in that country took several people hostage in a Sydney cafe Monday, the mayor said.
"We are taking appropriate precautions, making sure we are beefing up our presence at locations related to the Australian government and other pertinent locations around the city," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a Monday press conference.
"You'll see substantial activity to make sure that those locations are protected. The NYPD as usual is in close coordination with our federal partners," the mayor added.
Earlier Monday morning, Man Haron Monis, an Iranian immigrant who goes by the name Sheikh Haron, took control of a downtown Sydney cafe about 10 a.m. local time with the patrons and employees inside, according to the New York Times.
Sydney police stormed the cafe with their guns drawn about 2 a.m. Tuesday, reports said. Monis and two hostages were killed while four others were wounded.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner John Miller said police deployed counter-terrorism units in locations including the Australian consulate's office and Lindt Chocolate stores in places like the Peninsula Hotel.
There was also an increased police presence in "high-profile" locations like the Empire State Building and Financial District.
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said he is a "close friend" of the head of New South Wales police department and would call him on Tuesday.
"I had the opportunity to visit with him a few years ago in [Sydney], and in fact we patronized a restaurant on that street, so I’m very familiar with the location," Bratton said during a press conference with Miller at One Police Plaza Monday.
The NYPD will also dispatch members of their overseas intelligence bureau to aid Australian police with information gathering, according to Miller.
