Nassau County officials and police stood with multiple faith leaders Thursday, announcing a heightened law enforcement presence at religious institutions in the wake of the tragedy in Jersey City.

Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder ordered increased patrols of heavily armed officers and regular officers around the county's more than 700 religious institutions and businesses.

The move comes after what Nassau officials say was a troubling increase in bias or hate crimes.

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Nassau County Executive Laura Curran says there were 34 bias incidents in the county in 2018.

So far in 2019, there have been 61 -- almost twice as many.

The police commissioner says heavily armed officers and extra patrols should send a message to anyone thinking of committing a hate crime, and also to calm fears. He says heavily armed officers will also be at shopping centers and train stations as well.

Suffolk police and New York state troopers are also increasing patrols around religious institutions and businesses.