Crime & Safety

FBI and Local Police Prepare for Terrorist Attacks at Millbrae BART

BART train service not affected.

FBI agents and local SWAT teams scurried along the Millbrae BART station today to coordinate a strategic response in case of an emergency situation.

About 75 officers conducted three different scenarios using an out-of-service train to prepare for incidents such as terrorist attacks and hostage situations. Authorities in full SWAT gear clasping assault riffles escorted mock passengers, each with interlocked fingers behind their heads, from the train up to the platform.

“It would be naive of us not to train for something like this,” said Tom Ravenelle, FBI assistant special agent in charge. “But we’re not under the impression that there’s an imminent threat.”

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The cooperative agency training, now in its seventh year, uses tactics similar to airplane evacuations, according to Ravenelle.

“We bring the highest trained people because we want to be prepared in case something happens,” said Dan Hartwig, BART police commander.

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The exercise will last until 4 p.m. today and will not disrupt regularly scheduled train service.


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