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.
Subscribe to 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.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Today's political cartoons - May 18, 2024Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - a rocky road, innovative legislation, and more
-
5 arguably hilarious cartoons about the 2024 presidential debateCartoons Artists take on the candidates' age gap, sleepyheads, and more
-
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: a solid summer blockbusterThe Week Recommends The big-money movie might be 'a bit silly' but the effects are excellent
