Lynch at Large

The following appeared on trainorders.com and is an overview of some responses to this morning's attacks against public transportation in London. It is worth noting that over 8 million people ride London trains and buses every day.


# Amtrak train system, which runs through nearly every state, has increased its security threat level as a response to the London bombings. The security increase involves the deployment of more officers and canine teams, as well as asking the railroad's employees to continue to be vigilant and on alert for suspicious activity, according to an Amtrak statement. "There has been no specific or credible threat made against Amtrak," the statement said. "The railroad will continue at this heightened security threat level until we have a better understanding of the events in London."

Washington

# Metro Transit Police have deployed special response teams, armed with machine guns, and bomb-sniffing dogs to patrol Washington's subway stations, trains and buses, according to a statement from Metro Transit Police. Metrorail station restrooms also have been temporarily closed for security reasons. Police are asking riders to report any suspicious activity to authorities.

New York

# Although there has been no direct threat to New York City, police have been deployed to secure the underground subway trains and public transportation buses, Post said. Officers from the organized crime unit and narcotics division have been assigned to help with the increased security around the transit system.

# Post said a "Hercules Team" -- an emergency unit with heavy weaponry -- "is carrying out TOM -- or train order maintenance -- at Bowling Green subway station. This entails two or more officers boarding each car on every train."

# MTA employees have been instructed to be extra vigilant and employees are checking the trains before they leave terminals, according to NYC transit spokesman Paul Fleuranges.

# The "first platoon" of NYPD officers -- the group that works the 12 a.m. -7:30 a.m. shift -- is being held indefinitely. The officers will continue to work indefinitely and used for "counter-terrorism and protection of mass transit." A police source said this step adds "thousands of extra officers."

Atlanta

# Authorities in Atlanta, Georgia, have beefed up security at the city's MARTA transit stations, federal buildings and other locations as a precaution, according to Atlanta Police Department spokeswoman Sylvia Abernathy. Local law enforcement authorities have been in touch with the FBI throughout the morning, she said.