Terrorism/Security – Page 2

Amtrak, Metra, TSA and Local Law Enforcement Deploy Across Chicago Area Rail Stations

June 25, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

CHICAGO – During today’s morning and evening commutes, Amtrak Police, Metra Police, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel and law enforcement officers from more than 100 federal, state, local and rail police agencies are being deployed at more than 100 passenger rail stations in Illinois and the neighboring states of Wisconsin and Indiana in an exercise of expanded counterterrorism and incident response capabilities. The multi-force security surge across Chicagoland and in two other states is not in response to any threat or incident. Rather, today’s deployment is part of Operation ALERTS (Allied Law Enforcement for Rail and Transit Security), a coordinated

New Amtrak Carry-On Baggage Security Screening at Chicago Union Station

May 31, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

CHICAGO – The Amtrak Police Department will periodically conduct random screening of Amtrak passengers and their carry-on baggage at Chicago Union Station, effective May 27.

At Least 65 people Killed in Train Wreck Blamed on Maoist Rebels

May 28, 2010 Voice of America

In eastern India at least 65 people were killed and more than 200 injured when a high speed train derailed and collided with another train. Officials say they suspect sabotage by Maoist rebels caused the derailment.

Chambliss: ‘Intelligence Community Needs Strong and Focused Leadership’

May 22, 2010 Todd DeFeo

The Director of National Intelligence resigned this week, and one Georgia senator says the intelligence community “needs strong and focused leadership” and that intelligence failures under Dennis Blair “cannot be tolerated.”

Amtrak Security Efforts Aim to Defeat and Deter Most Dangerous and Likely Terror Tactics

April 22, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – Amtrak testified before a Senate committee that “the security of our system is our top priority” and its efforts are focused on defeating or deterring the most dangerous and likely terror tactics, including use of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on board a train or at a station and the emerging threat of an active shooter.

Amtrak Enhances Security Measures in Pacific Northwest for Winter Games

February 9, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

SEATTLE – With two daily Amtrak Cascades trains operating to Vancouver, B.C., Amtrak is stepping up its overall security measures in the Pacific Northwest as part of its preparation for the 2010 Winter Games. “Amtrak is working closely with our partners to provide passengers a safe and secure journey during the Games,” said Amtrak Police Chief John O’Connor, noting increased passenger ridership and activities are expected. Amtrak Police is supporting local, state and federal counterterrorism efforts including participating in U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Visible Intermodal Prevention & Response (VIPR) teams that bring to bear specialized capabilities in monitoring for

New Metro Transit Police Unit Focuses on Anti-Terrorism

January 6, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) now has a dedicated unit devoted to deterring a terrorist attack in the Metro system. The new anti-terrorism team will increase surveillance of the Metro system, conduct more frequent security sweeps of Metro facilities and tunnels, and provide greater visibility of uniformed officers. Using a $9.56 million Transit Security Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), MTPD formed the 20-member, anti-terror team in December. The team, whose mission is to deter terrorists from selecting Metro as a target, will use tactics such as increased surveillance and random, unpredictable patrols of

Feds: Transit Systems Should be Alert

September 22, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

NEW YORK — Federal authorities sent warnings to transit systems, hotels and stadiums nationwide that Islamic terrorists might target them. Law enforcement continued to search for suspects in “a possible al-Qaida plot to set off hydrogen-peroxide bombs hidden in backpacks,” The Associated Press reported. The DHS and the FBI “have no information regarding the timing, location or target of any planned attack, we believe it is prudent to raise the security awareness of our local law enforcement partners regarding the targets and tactics of previous terrorist activity,” the groups said in a statement, according to The Associated Press. “The MTA

Amtrak, TSA and Local Law Enforcement Deploy Across Northeast Corridor Rail Stations

September 10, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Amtrak Police, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel and law enforcement officers from more than 100 federal, state, local, rail and transit police agencies were deployed at approximately 150 passenger rail stations throughout the Northeast Corridor region in an exercise of expanded counterterrorism and incident response capabilities. The deployment happened Sept. 9. The multi-force security surge across 13 states and Washington, DC, is NOT in response to any particular threat or incident. Rather, today’s deployment is part of Operation ALERTS (Allied Law Enforcement for Rail and Transit Security), a coordinated effort involving activities such as heightened station patrols, increased

Amtrak Details ‘Stimulus’ Projects

March 27, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has released a list of capital projects to be funded by $1.3 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration, the highlights of the list include railcar and locomotive restoration to augment the current fleet, projects to bring stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), facility improvements, track, bridge and signal replacements and upgrades. “These Amtrak projects fulfill all of the objectives of the ARRA, and more. They are ‘shovel-ready;’ they will improve the efficiency and accessibility of Amtrak trains and facilities; and we estimate they will