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Metro Tries To Reassure Passengers System Is Safe

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Following today's arrest of Farooque Ahmed, a man from Northern Virginia accused of trying to help plot attacks on several Metro stations, the transit agency is trying to reassure commuters that the transit system is safe to ride.

Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn says that at no point was the transit system in jeopardy, although he wouldn't say when he learned about the plot. Taborn says the incident reinforces the need for continued vigilance, while Metro has added new security measures in recent years, including random inspections and a 20-person anti-terrorism unit.

The chief says mass transit is an open system--that is, it's vulnerable and relies on passengers and employees to do their part in identifying security risks.

At several points in today's press conference, Taborn repeated the slogan, "If you see something, say something."

He was asked if anyone--passengers or employees--called in any tips about Ahmed, and the chief said he didn't think so.

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