Boston: The chaotic scene at the Boston Marathon prompted a temporary shutdown of the city’s mass transit systems, while the Federal Aviation Administration issued a “ground stop” at 4:50 p.m. EDT, enforcing a temporary no-fly zone that grounded all flights to and from Boston Logan for about a half-hour before it was lifted at 5:20 p.m, reports local media.
From the World Trade Center and Times Square in New York to the White House and sports venues across the country, police patrolled in packs and deployed counterterrorism teams Monday as security was stepped up after explosions at the Boston Marathon.
Worries also reverberated across the Atlantic, where an already robust security operation was being beefed up for Wednesday’s ceremonial funeral for former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The event at St. Paul’s Cathedral, to be attended by Queen Elizabeth II and other dignitaries, calls for a procession through the streets of London, with Thatcher’s flag-draped coffin carried on a horse-drawn carriage.
The city’s subway service resumed Monday evening with “residual delays,” but some stations remained closed.
The situation on mass transit across the populous Northeast Corridor from Boston all the way down to Washington, D.C., was tense into the evening Monday. Here’s a look at the latest updates:
Boston Logan Airport: “Flights are departing/arriving from Logan, please check with your airline for delays or flight changes.”
The FAA had earlier announced a ground stop for Boston Logan airport, but flights have since resumed.
“Please note: Logan airport is open. We encourage you to contact your airline for any flight changes prior to coming to the airport.”
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority: “Normal service resuming on all lines. DTX and Park St have reopened. Expect some residual delays.”
“Copely Station will remain closed until further notice.”
New York City Police Department: “The NYPD is stepping up security at hotels and other prominent locations in the city.”
Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York: “The MTA Police Department, which patrols the LIRR and Metro-North, is increasing police patrols today in response to the Boston incident.”
“NYPD is also on alert and indicated they will give additional attention to the subway system.”
New Jersey Transit: “NJ Transit is currently in a heightened state of alert. As always, please report suspicious, unusual activity to the NJTPD by texting to 65873.”
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: “There’s no specific or credible threat against the Metro system at this time. Extra officers are on duty for increased security.”
All passengers were reminded to report unattended packages or suspicious activity to the Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121.
Amtrak: “At this time all Amtrak trains are operating as scheduled. We will provide an update if this changes.”
Amtrak said it has increased security at stations and track right-of ways. It asked passengers to report anything suspicious to 1-800-331-0008.
