Alexandria, Va. –– Transportation officials called for continued vigilance after federal authorities say a Virginia man planned to bomb several Metro stations next year.
Farooque Ahmed, 34, of Ashburn, was arrested Wednesday after investigators said he was working with suspected members of al-Qaeda in planning multiple bombings at Metro stations.
Ahmed was indicted in an Alexandria federal court yesterday on charges of attempting to provide material to support a designated terrorist organization, collecting information to assist in planning a terrorist attack on a transit facility, and with attempting to provide material to support to help carry out multiple bombings to cause mass casualties on the Metro system, according to federal officials.
Farooque remained under federal surveillance between April and Oct. 25, and was unable to carry out any of the alleged planned attacks.
Officials at the transit agency said at no time was any passenger at risk of being attacked by Farooque.
They also asked in a press release that the public stay alert when riding the trains and buses:
To prevent actions from occurring, the Metro Transit Police Department has an ongoing security program, which includes random, unpredictable patrols of Metrobuses, trains, stations and facilities. Earlier this year, the MTPD launched Blue TIDE as a new initiative aimed at deterring terrorist activity in the Metro system. Blue TIDE—Terrorism Identification and Deterrence Effort—includes a large number of MTPD officers who team with law enforcement officers from other agencies to conduct major, high-visibility, anti-terrorism show of force at stations. Metro also participates in Operation Rail Safe, a multi-force, multi-agency security surge throughout the Northeast Corridor. During Operation Rail Safe, officers are deployed for heightened station patrols, increased security presence on board trains, explosives detection canine sweeps and random inspections at unannounced locations.
Audio announcements can regularly be heard, and signs can be seen in Metro stations, asking passengers to report suspicious activity in Metro.
Anyone who sees something suspicious on the rail system is encouraged to call Metro police at 202-962-2121.
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FREE Leadership Sessions will be conducted at the George Mason University –Arlington Campus for High School Latinas. The program runs from Monday 7/15 through Friday 7/19 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM EST each day (1-week).
Las sesiones de liderazgo GRATUITAS se llevarán a cabo en el campus de George Mason University – Arlington para latinas de secundaria. El programa se desarrollará desde el lunes 15 de julio hasta el viernes 19 de julio, de 10:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. EST cada día (1 semana).
Our goal is to equip students with the fundamentals of self-promotion and guide them in shaping their personal brand for future success. What sets this program apart is its integration of self-awareness activities and mentorship by seasoned professionals.
Sessions begin with a thorough assessment of leadership dynamics on July 15th, participants delve into the intricacies of personal branding and etiquette on July 16th, followed by practical guidance on crafting compelling LinkedIn profiles and resumes on July 17th. July 18th emphasizes the art of storytelling through personal statements, while July 19th culminates in portfolio presentations, allowing participants to showcase their newfound skills. The program concludes on July 20th with a memorable graduation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of the ELITE Academy’s graduates and their journey towards leadership excellence.
We are honored to have the Honorable Andrea O. Bailey of the Potomac District, along with the esteemed leadership of Prince William County, hosting our 4th Annual 5K Walk for Mental Health Awareness. This event is a testament to their commitment to educate, advocate for, and dispel myths and stigma surrounding mental illness.
Dust off your running or walking shoes, bring your pets, and move with us in this county-wide FREE event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month on Saturday, May 18th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This year’s theme is Movement: Moving for Your Mental Health.
We will walk along a scenic multi-purpose trail in a wooded setting with sufficient signage to meet the needs of the walkers at Locust Shade Park, 4701 Locust Shade Drive, Triangle, Virginia 22192.
