Los Angeles

Heightened Security at Chris Brown Concert After Deadly UK Concert Bombing

Security will be beefed up Tuesday night at the Forum in Inglewood, where R&B singer Chris Brown will headline a show one night after a bombing at an arena in Manchester, England, at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

According to the venue's owner, Madison Square Garden, the company "has increased security measures, including a greater police presence and is continuing to work closely with local law enforcement to ensure we remain informed of any potential concerns."

Inglewood police noted that although there is no specific threat targeting the Forum, "out of an abundance of caution, we will maintain a heightened awareness around tonight's event."

"We will continue to uphold public safety and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the concert," according to police.

At least 22 people, including children, were killed and 59 were injured at the concert in Manchester Monday night.

Grande was not hurt. She later posted a message on Twitter that read, "Broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don't have words."

Los Angeles police said Monday the department was monitoring the situation in England and assured residents that adequate resources are deployed in an effort to keep people and public spaces safe.

"We are aware of the incident that occurred over in Manchester, England, and continue to monitor that (situation) here in the department," Officer Mike Lopez of the LAPD's Media Relations Section said.

Lopez stressed that the department is not aware of any credible threat to the city or its public assembly venues, but is nonetheless ready to respond to anything that might arise.

"We are prepared with adequate resources for the citizens of Los Angeles and their safety," he said.

Lopez added that the eyes and ears of residents are an invaluable resource in helping keep the community safe. He urged people to be vigilant and report anything that seems suspicious or even out of the ordinary, repeating the manta, "If you see something, say something."

Mayor Eric Garcetti offered a message of solidarity to the people of Manchester, which has a Friendship City relationship with Los Angeles as part of the city's Sister City cultural exchange program.

"Los Angeles stands with the people of Manchester at this time of unthinkable anguish and loss," he said. "We send prayers for peace and comfort to the victims and their loved ones, Mayor (Andy) Burnham, and all people touched by the tragedy in our Friendship City."

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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