San Francisco police were increasing patrols at San Francisco International Airport and in transit areas Tuesday in response to the deadly terrorist attacks at the Brussels airport and one of the city’s metro stations.
The two airport blasts, at least one of which was blamed on a suicide bomber, left behind a chaotic scene of splattered blood in the departure lounge as windows were blown out, ceilings collapsed and travelers streamed out of the smoky building.
About an hour later, another bomb exploded on a rush-hour subway train near the European Union headquarters. Terrified passengers had to evacuate through darkened tunnels to safety.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks in Brussels, saying its extremists opened fire in the airport and “several of them” detonated suicide belts.
The San Francisco Police Department has deployed extra officers at SFO, the Port of San Francisco, and at San Francisco Municipal Railway stations, San Francisco Police Department spokesperson Officer Albie Esparza said.
“We’re asking the public if they see something, say something and to report any suspicious activity,” Esparza said.
BART police have also beefed up their presence throughout the entire transit system, according to police Lt. Aaron Ledford.
“We do have heightened visibility and extra security in place throughout the whole system,” Ledford said.
Meanwhile, San Francisco leaders offered condolences to Belgium. Mayor Ed Lee posted on Twitter that The City will “mourn with the people of Brussels.”
#SFPD increasing patrols in transit areas/SFO in response to overseas attacks. If you see something, say something. pic.twitter.com/xJJXfKpKl4
— Albie Esparza (@OfficerAlbie) March 22, 2016
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn with the people of #Brussels. We stand in solidarity with Belgium and stand strong against intolerance.
— Edwin Lee (@mayoredlee) March 22, 2016
The Associated Press and Bay City News Service contributed to this report.BrusselsCrimeSan Francisco International AirportSFOTerror attack
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