Was Amtrak’s Maple Leaf serving Albany the target of terrorists in Canada?


Canadian law enforcement officials aren’t identifying the passenger train that was being targeted in an alleged Al Qaeda-linked plot, but the Wall Street Journal said Tuesday the train was believed to be one that travels between Toronto and New York City. Amtrak’s Maple Leaf, a daily service operated in conjunction with VIA Rail Canada, provides the only direct service between the two cities.

The train stops at the Albany-Rensselaer and Schenectady stations as it travels through the Capital Region.

Canadian police said they foiled the plan and emphasized that passengers were never in danger. They’ve arrested two men, identified as Chiheb Esseghaier of Montreal and Raed Jaser of Toronto.

Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman issued the following statement:

 ”Amtrak appreciates the actions of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in their ongoing investigation regarding a terror plot against our colleagues at VIA Rail.  The Amtrak Police Department will continue to work with Canadian authorities to assist in their efforts and refers all inquiries about the investigation to the RCMP.  There was not an imminent threat to Amtrak passengers, employees or the general public.

Amtrak has a variety of behind-the-scenes and frontline security measures to ensure passenger and employee safety and security.  Amtrak has explosive detection and vapor wake K-9 teams, trained employees to identify potential security risks, passenger and baggage screenings, and developed strong partnerships with local, state, federal and international agencies.”


Categories: Amtrak
Eric Anderson

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