The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department encouraged the public today to call authorities if "just something doesn't look right."
While the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado appears to be an isolated incident, our vigilance has been raised," said Captain Mike Parker, Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau. "The heightened alert of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department includes increased patrols to create a more visible presence at movie theaters and other places where people congregate."
The shooting at the Century Aurora 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colo., allegedly was committed by James Holmes, 24, who was taken into custody in the theater's parking lot shortly after the gunfire broke out, authorities said.
Los Angeles Police Department Officers increased their vigilance immediately following reports of the incident.
LAPD dispatched officers to major venues where the movie The Dark Night was playing. No incidents occurred in the City of Los Angeles.
Today, and in the immediate future, the LAPD will be providing hi-visibility patrol to major theaters in Los Angeles, as well as other sporting events, concerts and crowded venues, according to a press release distributed by the department.
Both uniformed and undercover officers will be on hand at theaters in the coming days.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa offered his condolences to the victims and their families.
“In the wake of the senseless and terrible tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, on behalf of the residents of Los Angeles, I offer my thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to the victims and the families affected by this horrific crime. It is truly a sad day in America," Villaraigosa said.
Holmes allegedly wore what appeared to be a bullet-proof vest and riot-type mask as he opened fire in the theater with three weapons. Authorities said at least 12 people died and 38 were injured. (Read more about the shooting here.)
Holmes' parents live in the San Diego County community of Rancho Penasquitos, where the suspect went to High School.
"As always, we encourage the public: 'If You See Something, Say Something.' The greatest deterrent to crime is often a phone call to law enforcement by a person who sees something that just doesn't look right," Parker said.
The Motion Picture Association of America, meanwhile, issued a statement
regarding the violence.
"We share the shock and sadness of everyone in the motion picture
community at the news of this terrible event,'' said former Connecticut Sen.
Chris Dodd, the MPAA chairman and CEO. "We extend our prayers and deepest
sympathies to the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by this
tragedy.''
To report a crime, call 800-222-TIPS (8477), or text the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637,) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.
City News Service contributed to this report.
