Trains.com

Railfans Beware -- DHS issues "notice stressing security on U.S. railways" due to al-Qaida plans

9163 views
62 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Thursday, May 5, 2011 9:30 PM

cx500

In other words, they will chase the visible railfans away from all strategic railroad areas, in order that Al-Qaida can work undisturbed by observers.  Expect more counter-productive security theatre.....

John

John, respectfully, I don't follow your reasoning.  Are railfans currently allowed in 'strategic railroad areas'?  If they chase away people with cameras, would they not chase away those without cameras?  How would they know whom to chase away at all?  And if the news is legitimate, and the plan worth publicizing at all, why would it follow that increasing vigilance and security measures for traveler safety would be counter-productive?  Would it be reasonable, in view of the public announcement, that the authorities state they intend to take no more notice or measures, despite the news?

Crandell

  • Member since
    September 2001
  • From: US
  • 1,015 posts
Posted by RudyRockvilleMD on Thursday, May 5, 2011 8:52 PM

While the notice didn't mention any specific plans to derail trains the possibility such an operation might be carried out cannot be ignored. According to a news broadcast that I heard security around all modes of trainsportation is being ramped up due to the death of Osama bin Laden, and this is to be expected. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that the questioning of railfans watching or photographing trains from public property has been recently ramped up. 

  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: Calgary
  • 2,047 posts
Posted by cx500 on Thursday, May 5, 2011 8:46 PM

In other words, they will chase the visible railfans away from all strategic railroad areas, in order that Al-Qaida can work undisturbed by observers.  Expect more counter-productive security theatre.....

John

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • 422 posts
Railfans Beware -- DHS issues "notice stressing security on U.S. railways" due to al-Qaida plans
Posted by Dragoman on Thursday, May 5, 2011 5:52 PM
Just got this news bulletin, courtesy KTVU Channel 2 Oakland:

"US Says Al-Qaida Discussed Plan To Derail Trains

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a notice stressing security
on U.S. railways -- an alert prompted, according to a U.S. law enforcement
source, by information gleaned from this week's raid on Osama bin Laden's
Pakistani compound.

MORE DETAILS: http://www.ktvu.com/tu/5YsOGAK1m.html
"

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy