Transit Security Beefed Up In Wake Of Deadly Terror Attacks In Brussels
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Transit security across Southern California was beefed up Tuesday in response to the terror bombings that killed at least 34 people and wounded 250 others in Brussels, Belgium.
Los Angeles International Airport police spokeswoman Alicia Hernandez said the department has increased its visual presence at the airport and is ready to respond to any terror threat. Law enforcement officers carrying automatic weapons and accompanied by bomb-sniffing dogs can be widely seen throughout the airport.
"We take attacks on aviation very seriously and make constant adjustments to our deployment strategies," Hernandez wrote in a statement. "As of now, there has been no impact to LAX operations; however, as a precaution, we have increased the visibility of airport police officers at LAX. We will continue to monitor the situation in Belgium and make adjustments to security as necessary."
But all the extra security patrol has slowed down passengers trying to get through the airport. The lines to check in were much longer than usual.
All metro stations in L.A. County, including Union Station in downtown, have added extra patrols.
There is no credible threat to any transit system in Los Angeles, sheriff's department Transit Services Bureau spokesman Ramon Montenegro said.
"Right now, we are monitoring the situation in Brussels and maintaining close contact and communications with our county Emergency Operations Center, Homeland Security and LA Metro," Montenegro said.
Metro officials asked the public to be aware of their surroundings at transportation centers and "help be our eyes and ears on the system. If you see something, say something."
The LAPD is urging everyone to get the iWatchLA app, which makes it easy to report anything suspicious.
Amtrak spokeswoman Verna Graham said the rail line also has added safety personnel.
"Amtrak police are working with state, local and federal law enforcement partners to gather and share intelligence," Graham said. "Extra officers have been deployed. We have reminded Amtrak employees to look for and report any suspicious activity and unattended items and reissued guidance pertaining to facility inspections and active shooter incidents."
Metrolink also enhanced its security and is coordinating with a variety of law enforcement agencies, Public Affairs Officer Scott Johnson said.
The same goes at the Port of Los Angeles, where spokesman Phillip Sanfield acknowledged "a proactive presence with L.A. Port police at our containment terminals, cruise terminals and throughout the port complex."