Muslims Helped Canadian Authorities in Amtrak Derailing Plot

Muslims Helped Canadian Authorities in Amtrak Derailing Plot

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Apr 23, 2013

It seems that the Muslim community assisted in detaining the two suspects, Chiheb Esseghaier, a 30-year old doctoral student of Montreal and Raed Jaser, age 35 of Toronto for planning to derail an Amtrak train after it had crossed the border into Canada from the United States. Several news sources have said that the plan was “al-Qaeda-inspired,” meaning that the plan was directed and guided from an element of al-Qaeda, the Islamic terrorist organization, based in Iran.

Muhammad Robert Heft, a Muslim community leader in Canada, told the Toronto Sun newspaper, “There is going to be backlash, but I want to reiterate. Who was the one who tipped the RCMP off? It was our community.”

This act from the Muslim community helped to solve an investigation that has been ongoing for a year.

Muhammad Heft operates an out-reach program for youth who are at risk of being radicalized. He believes that acts such as this must be “nipped in the bud,” and people must cooperate with authorities so that justice can be served.

“At the end of the day, it’s now how your dress, it’s how you think,” said Heft. “…in our hearts we love Canada. It’s our country. It’s our tribe. We want safety for all Canadians regardless of their religion.”

I applaud Heft for not only helping Canadian authorities deter what could have been a disastrous terrorist attack but also for helping at-risk youth.

Muslims Helped Canadian Authorities in Amtrak Derailing Plot

 

 

 

Materials confiscated from suspects home in conjunction with planned train derailment.

 

 

 

Muslims Helped Canadian Authorities in Amtrak Derailing Plot

 

 

Story map of Canadian train derailment incident.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Sources: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/23/17873250-muslims-helped-foil-alleged-canada-train-bomb-plot?lite and http://www.torontosun.com/2013/04/22/muslim-community-tipped-off-rcmp-about-terror-plot)

(Video and Pictures Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2313125/Canada-terror-plot-Authorities-thwart-al-Qaeda-backed-attack-trains-Toronto.html)

 

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.