Los Angeles, California – Metro officials convened on Thursday following a series of violent attacks on public buses and trains in the city. Despite significant investments in security measures and a decrease in violent crime on the transit system, the recent surge in brutal assaults has prompted officials to declare a safety emergency.
Incidents involving deadly weapons, such as guns and knives, have raised concerns about passenger and operator safety. In response, a senior official has called for the installation of fully enclosed barriers on all Metro buses to address the crisis situation.
In a recent development, the Los Angeles County District Attorney announced charges against Elliot Tramel Nowden, who is accused of fatally stabbing 67-year-old Mirna Soza Arauz on a Metro train. Nowden faces a potential sentence of life without parole if convicted. The tragic incident occurred as Arauz was returning home from work, and it has been met with deep condolences from officials.
The senseless attack on Arauz is not an isolated incident, as Nowden has a history of assaulting individuals at the same train station. The recent spate of violence also includes a separate incident involving a bus passenger and operator who were both stabbed in unrelated events.
Following the incidents, the push for enhanced safety measures, including barriers around operators, has gained momentum. The urgency to retrofit buses with protective barriers is a top priority for Metro officials as they work to address the escalating violence on public transit.
The Board of Directors is set to meet to discuss further strategies to ensure the safety of passengers and employees on Metro buses and trains. The recent attacks have underscored the need for comprehensive security measures to prevent future incidents and protect the community.