Palm Springs Police increase patrols following Tuscon shooting

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)- Palm Springs police officers showed their support for the community Tuesday night following a deadly shooting in Tucson, Arizona.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said in a statement on social media that the department is increasing patrols throughout downtown Palm Springs.

Mills added that several officers also went to the Arenas District to offer support and reassurance to the community.

Among those officers was soon-to-be Police Chief Kyle Stjerne, who is set to take over for Mills after his retirement Saturday.

In his statement, Mills praised Stjerne’s leadership, saying, “Chief Stjerne has the vision of what a safe and inclusive community looks like, and he is willing to sacrifice for it.”

Mills added, “This is why the city manager selected him as chief.”

Greater Palm Springs Pride also spoke out Wednesday morning about the shooting, which officials described as an alleged act of hate.

The organization said in a statement, “The knowledge that the suspected shooter carried a list of other LGBTQ+ businesses is chilling.”

The group added that LGBTQ+ bars, businesses and gathering places are where people “find family, joy and belonging.”

Despite the tragedy, Greater Palm Springs Pride said the community will continue gathering and looking out for one another.

The Palm Springs Police Department has initiated increased patrols throughout the city as the community reacts to the deadly shooting in Arizona.