Los Angeles Metro Threat Provides City Security Practice

(ATR) An anonymous tip about a bomb threat at Los Angeles’ Universal City metro stop will not derail the city.

The tip, provided by an English speaker through an unidentified foreign government, was taken seriously by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Los Angeles Police Department, who patrolled the entirety of the downtown subway system on Tuesday.

While the threat does not involve any of the proposed Olympic venues in the city's bid to host the 2024 Games, it does give the city practice in managing security threats.

Riders of the red line were reassured by the heavy presence of armed police officers, dogs and FBI agents who searched the bags of passengers. Plainclothes officers also rode the train as a precaution against any potential threats.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti rode the red line himself after delivering a press conference at the Universal City metro stop. He urged citizens to go about their normal business and report any suspicious activity.

"The eyes and ears of the people of Los Angeles are the most important force multiplier we have," said Garcetti.

The anonymous tip comes as the city’s Olympic bid enters the final stage of the race to host the 2024 Games. The metro stop is a full 15-minute walk from the proposed International Broadcast Center.

Media members will have buses provided from the media village on the University of Southern California’s campus and competition venues to the IBC and will not have to rely on public transportation.

The main press center’s location was originally going to be built within Universal City, but was moved to the USC campus in an effort to cut costs when Los Angeles submitted its second candidature file to the IOC in October.

Los Angeles is now in phase three of the candidature process along with Budapest, Hungary and Paris, France. The IOC will choose the host city of the 2024 Summer Games at its September 2017 IOC Session in Lima, Peru.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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