Police doing more to protect downtown Christmas market shoppers

PITTSBURGH — The shooting killed two people, left a third brain dead and injured 12 others.

Pittsburgh also has a downtown Christmas market and it attracts thousands of people to Market Square every year.

Channel 11 asked police, who said they always increase their presence when it comes to big events.

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Even though the shoppers Channel 11 talked to said they feel safe, it's a sign of the times that events like that have become targets.

Kelly Sobczack, a vendor at the market, has a friend who lives in Strausbourg, France, where last night a suspected extremist sprayed gunfire near a famous Christmas market.

"I was worried about my girlfriend so I sent her a quick message to make sure she was OK," Sobczack said.

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The Pittsburgh K-9 unit and traffic division, even the mounted patrol, spend additional time there during the holidays.

"They {Pittsburgh police} have a strong police presence. I think it’s a great place. And I don’t think anybody should have any worries about coming down here," Sobczack said.

Commander Cristyn Zett told Channel 11:

"Zone 2 has already increased its presence in the downtown area.  We continuously work with intel to identify and address any potential threats."

The Holiday Market runs through Dec. 23.

Cox Media Group