Black churches around Maricopa County will have extra security this Sunday. This follows the shooting death of nine people Wednesday night at a black church in Charleston, S.C.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he was asked by community members to add the protection.
“This is a deterrent as far as I’m concerned, we worry about copycats," he said. "I think it’s very feasible to do something and be proactive and not wait for something to happen.”
Deputies and members of the sheriff’s volunteer posse will be at black churches providing security from 5:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday.