TSA Alert

[Carolina Special]

Evidently TSA has issued an alert to railroad operators following an article in the Al Qaeda propaganda magazine "Inspire" encouraging DIY "Train Derail Operations". There are not supposed to be any immediate specific credible threats at this time.

But Amtrak is prominently identified as a target in the article, particularly Acela and other LD routes mentioned by name. The freights are also considered targets, particularly for hazardous material shipments. There is apparently a 19 page "instruction manual".

This "publication" did call for "vehicle ramming attacks" a few years ago, which sadly has been happening with greater frequency lately. Hopefully, this will not be a forerunner of the same for the rails. But better to be prepared for anything.

Sick, but that's the world we live in.

 

[norfolkwesternhenry]

I'd think Amtrak would want to beef up security on the NEC

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[dlagrua]

I'd think Amtrak would want to beef up security on the NEC

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That would mean that Amtrak would need to secure 100's of miles of tracks, tunnels and bridges; a daunting task. Derailments do not occur from aboard but from outside the train. IMO, the only way to secure tracks is to enlist the aid of citizen observers in every town that Amtrak crosses. I believe that many patriotic Americans would step up and help in this regard.

 

[norfolkwesternhenry]

I'd think Amtrak would want to beef up security on the NEC

Sent from my SM-G930P using Amtrak Forum mobile app

That would mean that Amtrak would need to secure 100's of miles of tracks, tunnels and bridges; a daunting task. Derailments do not occur from aboard but from outside the train. IMO, the only way to secure tracks is to enlist the aid of citizen observers in every town that Amtrak crosses. I believe that many patriotic Americans would step up and help in this regard.

"Safety is Amtrak's number one priority" is what they're always saying, so I think a combination of both would be best
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[Lonestar648]

The ramming of an Acela is more difficult challenge with no grade crossings on the NEC. Now any LD route is an easy target with so many crossings just on one route.

 

[PRR 60]

Only posts directly associated with rail security, please. Other commentary can go to Random Discussions.