The deadly explosions at Monday’s Boston Marathon finish line prompted Atlanta officials to announce heightened security efforts, including at the city’s transit system.
“The City of Atlanta’s First Responders are currently taking additional measures to enhance the safety of our citizens and protect them from senseless acts of violence,” Mayor Kasim Reed said in an emailed statement Monday evening.
There were no known threats to Atlanta, but the city was one of many across the country reacting to the news. Two blasts near the Boston Marathon finish line around 2:50 p.m. killed two people and injured dozens of others in a horrific and bloody scene shown in graphic images on television and online.
MARTA asked employees and customers to remain on high alert while using the transit system and enacted a plan of proactive safety measures. The MARTA Police Department was working with federal, state and local agencies to stay updated on any potential threats, a spokeswoman said in an emailed statement.
Other safety measures by MARTA included:
- Deploying K-9 units to make additional patrols
- Placing all specialized units on standby for activation
- Increasing police presence
- Placing all MARTA staff on heightened alert for any suspicious activity
- Encouraging the public to 'See Something, Say Something' and immediately report any suspicious activity or unattended packages to a MARTA Police officer or employee or by calling MARTA police at 404-848-4911.
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is also in contact with federal officials and monitoring the situation closely, said spokeswoman Lisa Janak Newman.
“The incident is still being investigated but right now there is no indication of a wider threat,” she said.
Heightened security is also expected to be in place at Atlanta sporting events, including the Braves’ Tuesday night game at Turner Field, a team spokeswoman said.
“We have been and remain in communication with law enforcement, public safety and other appropriate agencies as we prepare for our games tomorrow and Wednesday,” Beth Marshall, Atlanta Braves spokeswoman, said in an emailed statement.
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