Following Paris attacks, NYC steps up outreach to Muslims
NEW YORK - New York City officials have bolstered security and quietly stepped up outreach to Muslim residents in the aftermath of last month's Paris attacks, trying to calm fears of hate-filled retaliation and mend a relationship that has been fraught with mutual suspicion.
The city has increased its presence in Muslim neighborhoods, sending staffers to visit mosques and meet with imams and worshippers. Police officials have briefed community leaders on new counterterrorism procedures. Other city officials have urged Muslims to report any hate crimes, the number of which is sharply lower in New York in 2015 than at this time a year ago.
In a speech Friday evening at an Islamic community center, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city would deepen its relationship with the 800,000 Muslim New Yorkers and vowed dogged investigations into any hate crimes.
"We are a stronger city because of the contributions of the Muslim community," he said.
