NEW HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven Police had officers in and around Union Station following the shooting in Brooklyn. They told FOX61 they plan to continue to have officers there for the time being.
Police do not have a suspect at this time but do have a description of his clothing.
The gunman in Brooklyn opened a smoke canister and then opened fire. A total of 10 people were shot; five of which were in critical condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Connecticut State Police tweeted they are working with state, federal, and local police and have been assigned to the New York City federal task force. While no threat has been identified in the state, they say they will continue to monitor the situation.
Traveler Caitline Alfred from the Bronx recallsed the moments she heard the news.
“My mom she texted me like hey are you okay, what’s up, and I was like why wouldn’t I be?” she said. “That’s when I saw about the shooting and the gas and all that stuff.”
She and other passengers we spoke with at Union Station were concerned for their safety and on high alert as they got onto trains Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s actually really scary because I always get told by my family, you have to be careful,” said Alexandra Fernandez, a UConn student.
“We’re New Yorkers, we’re New York Strong, so let’s understand that this doesn’t happen all the time but we do need more police on the trains, not on the train stations, but inside the trains for the riders,” said Kevin Green who recently moved to Connecticut from New York.
Others at the station shared her concerns. Ben Finkelstin, heading into Manhattan, said the tragedy is “awful” to hear.
“It makes me feel safer for sure just knowing that there’s people around who are watching,” he said. “Keep aware of my surrounding but it feels pretty safe.”
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said Tuesday it is “extreme behavior.”
“I’m really glad we’re a part of the gun task force with New York,” he said. “This is Brooklyn, New York. Right down the street from us.”
Canine units were on patrol at Union Station. Fred Alex, heading into Bridgeport which also has increased police patrol, said these types of incidents grab his attention. He’s appreciative law enforcement has stepped up.
“I’m just as cautious,” he said. “There’s a lot of scary people who aren’t suspects on the train.”
Beyond Union Station, Connecticut State Police said they sent patrols to several train stations.
In Norwalk, an Emergency Service Unit was out doing high visibility patrols of Norwalk’s Train Stations Tuesday as they monitored the situation in New York.
Elisha Machado is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at emachado@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Tony Black is a multi-media journalist at FOX61 News. He can be reached at tblack@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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