Police at T.F. Green carrying more firepower

July 1, 2016 6:13 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

WARWICK, R.I. – State Police are now carrying semi-automatic rifles at T.F. Green in Warwick, following Tuesday’s terror attack at an airport in Istanbul, Turkey.

"Anytime there’s an event, internationally or nationally, you have to pay attention to a copycat," explained Col. Steven O’Donnell.

The added precaution is also in the thick of a busy travel weekend, when law enforcement is already on high alert.

Travel Dante Branch of Newport was put off by the recent attacks, but still kept his holiday travel plans. He was comforted by the increased security presence.

The semi-automatic rifles could be here to say. O’Donnell is in talks with airport officials to figure out the best plan of action for the long-term. He hopes the rifles act as a deterrent. "It’s the reality of the world we live in,” he said.