Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - As the search continues for a suspect in a New York City subway shooting that left at least 10 people hurt, the MBTA is increasing security measures in Boston.
It was a chaotic scene on Tuesday, when a gunman in a gas mask and construction vest set off smoke grenades and opened fire in a rush-hour subway train in Brooklyn. 10 people were injured, including five in critical condition. Wednesday morning hundreds of detectives were working to track down the rented of a van possibly connected to the attack at the 36th Street subway station.
The motive of the attack remains unknown.
The FBI Boston Division, Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said that there is "no evidence" to suggest Boston transit could potentially be a target following the attacks, but officials are adding patrols out of precaution.
MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Greene said his department is adding patrols of regular officers as well as explosive detection K-9 teams. They will sweep for anything suspicious. Boston police additionally will be increasing their presence around subway stations in the city.
The MBTA urged riders who see anything out of the ordinary to contact transit police or MBTA personnel immediately.
Riders are South Station Wednesday morning told WBZ's James Rojas they feel safe.
"I'm not surprised it seems like a reasonable tactic from them, but I don't know, I'm not worried," one passenger said.
It isn't just on the MBTA, officials with the Boston Marathon are also looking into any potential threats. Boston City officials say there is no credible threat following the attack in New York.
Uniformed officers will be stationed along the route, observation posts will overlook the event, and checkpoints will be put in place between Kenmore and the finish lines.
Police in New York say the gunman in the Brooklyn subway shooting fired at least 33 bullets in the rush-hour train. Chief of Detectives James Essig identified the man as 62-year-old Frank R. James and says James has addresses in Philadelphia and Wisconsin. Essig says a key to the rental van was found at the scene along with a semi-automatic handgun, a hatchet, smoke grenades and other items. Police have since found the van, empty.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports
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