Philadelphia
A motion detector discovered in a Philadelphia rail yard triggered a nationwide terrorist alert, but it turned out to be the work of a mechanic who liked to sneak naps. “It was in a perfect place if you wanted to get some sleep and be alerted if your boss is coming,” said James Jordan, transit security chief. Authorities, already jittery after the deadly March train bombings in Spain, had speculated that the infrared device might be intended to trigger a bomb. The FBI said that people had recently been spotted filming tracks between New York and Washington. Homeland Security officials have tightened rail security by removing trash cans that could conceal bombs and by using dogs to sniff for explosives.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Quiz of The Week: 15 – 21 NovemberQuiz Have you been paying attention to The Week’s news?
-
Can the UK do more on climate change?Today's Big Question Labour has shown leadership in the face of fraying international consensus, but must show the public their green mission is ‘a net benefit, not a net cost’
-
The Week Unwrapped: Will US Catholics rebel against the Pope?Podcast Plus what are the ethics of freezing your late partner?
