Shooting onboard Amtrak in Lees Summit, MO
- Thread starter danasgoodstuff
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omg so sad!
danasgoodstuff
OBS Chief
Yeah, it's horrifying really. Reporting I've read and heard has been a little sketchy on the details, hopefully someone has seen better. Or soon will.
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- Aug 29, 2018
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Search underway for suspect in fatal shooting aboard Amtrak train
And, here we go, the crazies armed with guns have discovered Amtrak. Sounds like this person was targeted. Any more incidents like this and the TSA will expand -- we'll have airport-style checkpoints as well as long lines to clear security. All because a few mental defectives can't control their emotions.
And, here we go, the crazies armed with guns have discovered Amtrak. Sounds like this person was targeted. Any more incidents like this and the TSA will expand -- we'll have airport-style checkpoints as well as long lines to clear security. All because a few mental defectives can't control their emotions.
Though unfortunate, I doubt the TSA will "take over" Amtrak stations because ONE <targeted> person was shot on a train. They would have to "take over" all commuter train stations. TSA came into being to protect hundreds (I'm referring to a single flight) of people on airplanes (and in buildings those airplanes could hit).
This is pure hyperbole. Someone was stabbed on the Blue Water a few years ago, and nothing changed.
So which train was this?
Missouri River Runner
coventry801
Train Attendant
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- Feb 24, 2020
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In that case, the top priority for TSA would be guarding all tracks including bridges and tunnels on Amtrak trains path. Few loosen nuts on the track do more damages than guns
Seaboard92
Engineer
I'm just trying to figure out how this happened to be honest. So the person was shot and killed at the first stop. But the victim wasn't found till the next station?
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From what I read, multiple people heard shots but apparently nobody searched for where the bullets went.
If I heard shots, I'd hide somewhere, preferably near the floor and out of sight. I certainly wouldn't go wandering about to see who did it. I's also be reluctant to call the cops, because I wouldn't want to alert the shooter of my presence. Maybe I'd try to text the cops, though I'm not sure how you text a 911 call.
Seaboard92
Engineer
I've always thought a text to 9-11 made sense. I would be curious if that's something that can be done already.
FYI, here's the text-to911 coverage for Missouri
Missouri 911 service board — Missouri 911 Service Board
Possible call 911 - DON'T HANG-UP - leave an open line - talk (whisper) any information Train # location car # and time permitting state the nature
of the emergency - don't hang-up end the call !
The 911 Operator will take it from there - don't hang-up cell phones need to have an open line unlike land lines which leave a caller ID record to
a land based home or office phone. You are using a cell phone and this is a moving address and needs to be tracked - some police agencies have
the ability to triangulate between cell towers to determine your approximate location and take action to intercept your travel also alerting Amtrak
of the 911 emergency.
If possible alert your car attendant but only if this can be done safely
My city has it, but I'm in a large-ish city. I don't think it's possible in rural areas yet.
The entire state of Maryland has it. Nearly all of Pennsylvania has it, except, curiously enough, Philadelphia.
As previously pointed out, a large and growing number of PASPs (Public Safety Answering Points) support text to 911.
If you can help it, though, calling is *vastly* preferred. Getting accurate dispatch via text is *very* difficult under even the best of circumstances. Also, as you travel, (e.g. on a moving train), your subsequent texts could be routed to different PASPs, confusing things even further. Calling 911 is better - even if you're moving, your call will stay connected to the initial point, who can then transfer it to the local agency as appropriate. It's not an easy process, but it does happen.
If you do text-to-911, include as much information as possible. "on amtrak train, 15 minutes west of xx, gunman in car #, x/injuries, etc"
Also be aware that, on many phones, a 911 call will place your phone into emergency mode, which is sometimes accompanied by a loud beep or tone. You may want to turn that off, ahead of time. It's meant to alert you if you pocket dial by mistake, but the idea of quiet discretion is more appropriate to me.
If you call, and you can't talk, do something on the phone to let the dispatcher know it's not a pocket dial. Tap the microphone - even SoS - or press a number key once or twice, in a pattern that's clearly intentional. Most dispatchers are trained to recognize thas a cue something is wrong, and begin asking questions you can respond to silently. "If you're in danger, press a number for me" "If you can't talk, press another number", etc.
If you can help it, though, calling is *vastly* preferred. Getting accurate dispatch via text is *very* difficult under even the best of circumstances. Also, as you travel, (e.g. on a moving train), your subsequent texts could be routed to different PASPs, confusing things even further. Calling 911 is better - even if you're moving, your call will stay connected to the initial point, who can then transfer it to the local agency as appropriate. It's not an easy process, but it does happen.
If you do text-to-911, include as much information as possible. "on amtrak train, 15 minutes west of xx, gunman in car #, x/injuries, etc"
Also be aware that, on many phones, a 911 call will place your phone into emergency mode, which is sometimes accompanied by a loud beep or tone. You may want to turn that off, ahead of time. It's meant to alert you if you pocket dial by mistake, but the idea of quiet discretion is more appropriate to me.
If you call, and you can't talk, do something on the phone to let the dispatcher know it's not a pocket dial. Tap the microphone - even SoS - or press a number key once or twice, in a pattern that's clearly intentional. Most dispatchers are trained to recognize thas a cue something is wrong, and begin asking questions you can respond to silently. "If you're in danger, press a number for me" "If you can't talk, press another number", etc.
Dakota 400
Engineer
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- 3,741
If you call 911 from a land based phone the operator knows the location of that phone even if you hang up and can send the aid necessary to that
location address - common for 911 hang up calls are children playing with the phone which results in the police or sheriff to make a check on what
happened.
With a cell phone YES the operator knows your phone number - but where are you - cell phones are portable - you are not likely at the billing address
associated with the phone - you could be anywhere within range of any of the providers cell towers ANYWHERE - stay will me don't hang up !
There is also the pinging feature but it is faster to just leave the phone on an open line. With all the tidbits of information that you can provide the
first responders can find you - your location (moving or stationary) - Subways and metro underground present problems but leave the phone on!
Give the system a chance to work with what is available - don't discourage a 2nd cell phone user from calling - their cell provider may have better
reception transmission.
