NYPD beefs up security in response to London attack

The New York City Police Department is increasing security at some key British locations after what is being called a terrorist incident near Britain's Parliament. Five people were killed, including the attacker, and at least 40 were injured Wednesday in two incidents in London.

The NYPD is monitoring the situation and deploying additional resources to places "where they need to be," New York City Police Detective Ahmed Nasser told USA TODAY. He confirmed that additional police units had been deployed to the British Consulate, City Hall, Grand Central Station, and the U.K. Mission to the United Nations.

Nasser said the response was routine and not due to "any specific credible threat."

J. Peter Donald, the NYPD assistant commissioner for communication and public information, tweeted that after the "attack in London," the "NYPD has re-deployed long gun teams" to the British Consulate, City Hall and Grand Central Station.

Nasser said long guns teams refers to the department's tactical response units.

In a follow-up tweet, Donald clarified that the deployments of rifle units were being made "until we know more" and said there was no information "linking London attack to NYC at this point."

The department's counterterrorism bureau tweeted that it is monitoring the situation.

The Department of Homeland Security announced that it and federal law enforcement "are in close contact with our British counterparts to monitor the tragic events and to support the ongoing investigation" in a statement Wednesday.

"At this time our domestic security posture remains unchanged," the statement said.

President Trump told reporters that he was getting an update on "some big news having to do with London" ahead of a meeting Wednesday.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said U.S. officials will continue to monitor the situation. Spicer condemned the attack and said the White House "applauds the quick response of British police and first responders."

Spicer said that the British government has the "full support" of the U.S. as the investigation continues.