Following the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday and an apparent video threat from the Islamic State to D.C., Metro says it’s shoring up security. The department says it has more than 20 K9 teams that perform security sweeps in Metro rail stations and other areas across the system.Amtrak said Monday it also is maintaining strong security to keep passengers, employees and the railroad safe.Extra K9, uniform personnel and long guns have been deployed, Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods said. The Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority said Monday it is expanding random screenings for explosives at station entrances and adding officers across the system. However, officials say the screening process is “non-invasive”, which means the bag or package is not opened unless a follow-up investigation is required.
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On Capitol Hill, the Capitol Police Board sent a notice to Hill staff Monday morning noting there will be “increased presence and visibility is a proactive enhancement of our already heightened security posture”.
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At a news conference yesterday, WMATA’s Police Chief Ron Pavlik said that the agency also would increase monitoring of its closed-caption security footage. Metro Transit Police are coordinating with federal law enforcement partners to monitor information regarding the attacks in Paris, the release said. While police say the incident stemmed from the suspect’s apparent “mental health issues” and had nothing to do with terrorism, the entire morning was-as periods following terrorist incidents are-extra jittery and heavily armed.
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Customers were reminded to report suspicious activity or unattended items by calling Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121 or texting “MyMTPD”. “Although there’s no credible threat here [in] the United States, we can’t turn a blind eye to the events that occurred in Paris”.
