InfoSearched
A train engineer intentionally drove a speeding locomotive off a track at the Port of Los Angeles because he was suspicious about the presence of a Navy hospital ship docked there to help during the coronavirus crisis, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
KCBS reports Eduardo Moreno, 44, was charged with one federal count of train wrecking, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.
What security measures should be put in place to prevent similar attacks on public safety institutions and medical facilities in the future?
A recent incident has left the world shocked and appalled. On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, a man intentionally derailed a train in an attempt to collide with the United States Navy’s hospital ship, the USNS Mercy, docked at the Port of Los Angeles. The incident occurred in San Pedro, a district in the city of Los Angeles. The train, operated by Union Pacific, was heading towards the ship when it collided with a barrier at the end of the track.
The motive for the intentional derailment is still unclear, but it is suspected to be a potential act of terrorism. However, in a statement issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, terrorism is currently not being considered as the leading motive. The FBI is investigating the case, and the suspect has been arrested and charged with attempted train wrecking.
Fortunately, no significant injuries and no casualties have been reported. The train was carrying a load of fertilizer, which, in the event of a collision with the hospital ship, could have caused significant damage to the USNS Mercy and risked the lives of the medical personnel and patients on board.
The USNS Mercy was deployed to Los Angeles to provide support to the city’s medical infrastructure amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Making efforts to integrate the ship into the city’s response to the rising pandemic cases, local officials quickly determined there was no threat to the ship or the personnel on board following the derailment.
The attack on the hospital ship is an insidious act that is deeply unsettling. The ship, which had been brought to provide relief and expertise in the fight against COVID-19 is now vulnerable to new multi-faceted threats. The attempted assault reminds us of the importance of being vigilant in protecting those who are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy.
In conclusion, the train derailment near the USNS Mercy confirms the need for heightened security measures around public safety institutions and medical facilities. It is important to commend the swift action of the authorities involved in this case that led to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the attempted attack. We should continue to uphold the utmost vigilance to safeguard our society and those that are working hard to support us in times of crisis. The world is observing this developing situation, and it is time to stand up against these blatant acts of terrorism that pose a direct threat to our collective safety and wellbeing.
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