Transit Authorities Increase Security After NYC Explosion

Many U.S. transit authorities stepped up their own security Monday in the wake of the rush-hour pipe-bomb explosion on a subway platform in Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.

• By Jessica Davis
• Dec 12, 2017

Many U.S. transit authorities stepped up their own security Monday in the wake of the rush-hour pipe-bomb explosion on a subway platform in Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City. Officials in other cities closely monitored the situation and were in contact with the FBI and other partners.

In neighboring New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie ordered additional security at mass transit hubs. He also said New Jersey law enforcement was coordinating with their federal and New York partners.

Philadelphia law enforcement increased patrols and security across mass transit lines, including Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority K-9 units and police in motor vehicles.

“Every police department is concerned that it’s an organized effort, maybe an attack in multiple cities, so we implement a higher visibility posture, and we did that today,” SEPTA police chief Thomas Nestel III said Monday.

Boston’s transit authorities also increased security measures.

“At this time, Transit Police have no information credible or otherwise to suggest there is a local threat,” said Joe Pesaturo, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority spokesman. “Nonetheless, Transit Police will have high visibility coverage at the MBTA’s busiest stations and K9 units deployed throughout the system.”

Law enforcement officials stressed the importance of alerting authorities of any possible concerns or threats on public transportation or elsewhere. Many called on the public to remain alert.  

“After an incident like this we always see a spike in the number of calls from people,” Nestel said. “We want those calls all the time. We don't get tired of the tips and the tips are taken seriously.”

According to authorities, the suspect in the Port Authority attack was inspired by the Islamic State group, but had not had any direct communication with the terror group.

Officials so far have not found a connection between the “attempted terrorist attack” and any larger or more widespread plot.