American officials on alert after terrorist truck attack on Berlin market killed 12 shoppers. Security stepped up at Christmas gatherings.  

• Major cities like New York, Chicago and Boston mobilizing officers to increase presence at Christmas gatherings.
• Highly trained teams, including the Critical Response Command have been mobilized.
• A Christmas market in the German capital was deliberately targeted by a man who plowed a truck into the crowd and murdered 12 people injuring almost 50 more.

Cities across America are stepping up security at Christmas events following a terrorist truck attack on a Berlin market that has left 12 people dead.

Police are boosting their presence at holiday villages and major sites around cities such as New York, Chicago and Boston as the US remains on high alert.

It comes after a Christmas market in the German capital was deliberately targeted by a man, who is believed to have used a hijacked 25 ton truck to murder 12 people and injure 48 more. As reported by the Daily Mail, in a statement, the NYPD said that they are monitoring the events in Germany and around the world.

‘The Department has moved highly trained teams, including the Critical Response Command, to high profile locations around New York City.

‘In the coming days, we will look to learn more about what occurred to inform the NYPD’s operations, deployments, and training of officers.’

Chicago Police also confirmed they would be ramping up their presence at the annual Christmas market in in an outdoor plaza in downtown Chicago.

Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said that although there is no specific threat to the city, officers would be vigilant around Christkindlmarket event.

He added that extra foot and bike patrols would be added to boost market security alongside specialized units.

In Boston, the city’s mayor Martin J. Walsh confirmed barriers would be put in place in a bid to protect the ‘Boston Winter’ holiday market in City Hall Plaza.

President-elect Donald Trump called the incident in Berlin a ‘horrifying terror attack’ and added it would push the US and its ‘freedom-loving partners’ to take on ISIS.

In a statement he said in part:

‘Innocent civilians were murdered in the streets as they prepared to celebrate the Christmas holiday. ISIS and other Islamist terrorists continually slaughter Christians in their communities and places of worship as part of their global jihad.

Daily Mail copy / TRUNEWS summary.