Atlanta's Muslim community calls for healing after New Zealand attacks

ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Mass shootings at two mosques Friday in New Zealand on Friday have Muslim leaders in Atlanta increasing security during prayer services.

Police took three men and a woman into custody after the shootings, which killed 49 people and shocked people across the nation of 5 million people. One person was later released.

One man, identified as Brenton Tarrant, has been charged with murder in what appeared to be a carefully planned racist attack. Police also defused explosive devices in a car. 

MORE: New Zealand shooting survivor describes the moment 'hero' tackled gunman, grabbed his weapon

In Atlanta, leaders held a news conference Friday to offer condolences to the victims and to urge political leaders across the world to tone down public comments that may contribute to a volitile or hateful climate.

"We want to call the minds and the hearts of the elected officials from the highest in the land to stop the hate-filled speech and the rhetoric," Imam Sulaimaan Hamed of the Atlanta Majid of Alislam said.

RELATED: Mass shootings at New Zealand mosques kill 49; 1 man charged

Atlanta police say their officers are conducting directed patrosl around the city's mosques as well.

The Associated Press contributed to the story.