Transit Cops to Randomly Search Passengers’ Bags in D.C. Region
October 28th, 2008Via: USA Today:
Washington’s public-transportation authority plans to search passengers’ bags before they enter buses or subways in the capital region.
The new program, which involves random searches, begins in time for the election and inauguration.
“Inspections could take place at any Metrorail station or Metrobus stop,” Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn says in a statement. “They will be random, unannounced and focused on explosive detection.”
Officials tell local news organizations that the new policy wasn’t enacted in response to a specific threat against the USA’s second busiest transit system.
The searches are expected to begin before Election Day, they say.
“U.S. intelligence agencies have long warned that the weeks just before an election and immediately after are considered a ‘zone of vulnerability’ for the country,” The Washington Post reports. “The teams tasked with helping the winner of next week’s presidential election transition into office also have been warned about the heightened chances of attack. Officials note that the March 11, 2004, Madrid train bombings took place three days before general elections in Spain.”
Research Credit: DP
I’m curious as to why you didn’t include “False Flag Operations” – and I’m wondering what this raise in heat might mean for late January crisis vector.