BART Increases Security After bin Laden's Death

BART stations have increased security and are on a high-risk alert today as a precaution against retaliation attacks following the death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden on Sunday, a BART spokesman said.

All available BART police officers will be used in order to provide maximum security for transit riders, spokesman Linton Johnson said.

BART's police department cancelled scheduled training sessions today in order to make more officers accessible, Johnson said. The decision to step up security measures comes from a federal order for transit agencies, train stations and airports with the ability to provide increased security today do so, he said.

"We have that availability," Johnson said.

The Critical Asset Patrol Team, established earlier this year, will have a large presence today, he said. The team specializes in counter-terrorism and will be a useful asset for identifying any threats, Johnson said.

There is no specific timeframe for how long the increase of security will last.

"(The increase will be in effect) for as long as it takes to feel comfortable," Johnson said.