Leaders in Massachusetts are reacting after Sunday's deadly shooting at a concert in Las Vegas, emphasizing what authorities are doing locally to keep the state safe.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says the city is constantly watching and learning from attacks around the country and updating its security measures as a result.
"The way we do parades is different. We have trucks blocking intersections now," Walsh said. "The way we do rallies is different. The way we do everything — the marathon is different."
Walsh said local authorities always pay close attention to events like Boston’s Fourth of July celebration and others that take place outside or near tall buildings. Police are always patrolling from the ground and up above.
"There are helicopters up there and machines that can pick up guns and ammunition," Walsh said.
Both Walsh and Gov. Charlie Baker extended their condolences to the victims of the Las Vegas shooting.
Baker said he has been in touch with the Massachusetts State Police and has already reached out to leaders in Las Vegas to see if they need help. He said he is comforted by Massachusetts’ ban on assault weapons.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
"We have among the toughest gun laws in the country, but obviously the investigation will tell us a lot more about what happened," Baker said.
But many in Boston say the answer to why will not keep them from asking, "What if?"
"I’m always looking for the exit door," said tourist Ashley Raymond, who has family in Las Vegas. "I guess that’s what the world has come to, but I’m always looking."
The mass shooting during the Las Vegas concert killed at least 59 people and left more than 500 injured. The suspected gunman, Stephen Craig Paddock, is believed to have killed himself before SWAT agents entered his room in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
