Community Corner

Amtrak, MBTA Remain Alert in Wake of bin Laden Death

Amtrak and MBTA officials said that, despite no immediate threats, they will continue to work to keep transportation hubs safe.

Westwood is home to two train stations that service commuters of the MBTA and customers of Amtrak, and both agencies said Monday that while there were no immediate threats in relation to the death of Osama bin Laden, security forces will not ease back.

One Westwood Amtrak worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said Monday he has not heard of any heightened security tactics.

"Not that I'm aware of," he said. 

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But despite no immediate threats, a spokesperson for Amtrak said staff and crews will continute to remain vigilant in the wake of bin Laden's death Sunday.

“When 9/11 happened, and the airlines were grounded, Amtrak continued to operate across the country keeping America on the move," Amtrak Spokesperson Christina E. Leeds said in a news statement Monday. "The Amtrak Police Department continues to remain vigilant in its protection of the traveling public.  Our commanders are in close communication with our federal partners in the intelligence community as well as local law enforcement agencies in the areas we travel through."

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She added, "We are ensuring full staffing of our K9 teams, including our specially trained vapor wake teams, at our major hubs. All Amtrak employees are being reminded to be aware and report suspicious activity.”

MBTA staff, meanwhile, said while there have been no reports of specific threats after Sunday's news, crews will continue to be on alert, and encourage commuters to report any suspicious activity immediately.

"We continue to monitor the situation and will be guided by any information or intelligence that is forthcoming," Transit Police Chief Paul MacMillan said in a statement Monday. "There are no reports of any specific threats at this time. However, in order to reassure the riding public, we will continue our security inspection program and our high visibility patrols in stations and on the trains. As always, we ask our passengers to report any suspicious or unusual behavior to Transit Police at 617-222-1212 or 911. You can also text your tips at 873873 as well."


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