RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones is talking about possible security changes -- and what they could mean for future sporting events in the city -- in the wake of the Boston bombings.
Jones has not before talked specifically about how Richmond would handle a situation like what happened in Boston.
When the tragic events unfolded in Boston, millions watched in disbelief. Jones said the tragedy prompted the city to look at its own security procedures.
"I think this Boston thing has heightened the awareness of what these men and women do," said Jones.
Jones stressed that if Richmond experienced a similar crisis, they city could be shut down and that city, state and federal law enforcement agencies would work closely to keep the public safe.
"We have wonderful people, men and women on our police department," Jones said. "People say we don't have regional cooperation. Well, one of the shining lights of regional cooperation is public safety."
And as the City gears up for the 2015 World Cycling Tournament, the mayor said the Boston tragedy will impacted the planning of the big event.
"It's a huge part. I mean the police part has been huge from the very beginning. Security has been huge for the very beginning," Jones said. "But I think that what happened in Boston really sensitizes us to the possibility of somebody wanting to ruin this wonderful experience and take it as an opportunity to make some type of a statement or to harm people. We're going to be very conscious of that."
Even though the tournament is two years away, the mayor said the are weighing security concerns and working with neighboring jurisdictions as they determine the bike routes for the event.
