GTA police services stepping up patrols around places of worship and key locations after U.S., Israel attack Iran

A York Regional Police cruiser is seen in this undated photo. (CTV News Toronto)

Police services across the Greater Toronto Area are stepping up patrols around places of worship after the United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday.

York Regional Police say they are monitoring the situation closely and additional patrols have been deployed near faith-based institutions, community centres, schools and other public gatherings.

“We understand that global events can cause local safety concern and have a profound effect on our communities,” YRP said in a statement.

“Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in their neighbourhoods. These patrols are proactive and are intended to deter any potential criminal or hate-motivated activity prompted by events overseas.”

YRP officers are currently present at a rally in Richmond Hill to facilitate road closures and “ensure the lawful exercise of peaceful assembly.”

Thousands attended the rally in support of anti-government protesters in Iran. Organizers said they expected 150,000 to 200,000 to march along Yonge Street from 16^th Avenue to Harding Boulevard.

A similar protest was held in Toronto, where upwards of 350,000 people attended.

Saturday’s rally was planned before the joint American-Israeli attack on Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump called on the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny” by rising up against the Islamic regime.

On Saturday afternoon, Trump claimed in a social media post that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead, saying his passing is “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said in a joint statement that Canada supports the U.S.’s actions “to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security.”

Toronto Police Service (TPS) said it is also monitoring the situation and “any potential impacts locally.”

“Expect an increased police presence around places of worship and consular offices across the city,” TPS said.

“These measures are being taken to support community safety and provide reassurance.”

Durham Regional Police are also making similar moves with additional officers around places of worship and other key locations “out of an abundance of caution.”

“At this time, there is no known threat to Durham Region. We remain vigilant and continue to work closely with our community partners,” Durham police said.

With files from CP24 and CTV News staff and The Associated Press