Atlanta's airport, MARTA tighten security following Brussels attack
Photo: Laura Byrne on Twitter
ATLANTA - The city of Atlanta is responding to the terror attacks in Belgium early Tuesday morning after bombs exploded at the Brussels airport and one of the city’s metro stations.
We stand in solidarity with our sister city of Brussels and the people of Belgium as they endure these unspeakable acts of terrorism,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.
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Reed said his administration is taking every precaution to ensure the safety and security of Atlanta, particularly at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. Reed said since last year’s attacks in Paris, Atlanta has implemented a number of enhanced security measures at the airport.
“My administration's number one priority remains the safety of all of Atlanta's residents and visitors and today I reaffirm my commitment to that effort,” Reed said.
A spokesperson for the airport said in light of the attacks, the airport remains on heightened alert.
“[The airport] will continue to coordinate with federal, state and city law enforcement,” the airport official said. “Safety and security are always a constant focus.”
There was a highly visible show of local and federal law enforcement on duty at Hartsfield-Jackson airport. The protection includes canine teams and what APD calls a react team of cops who tote long guns.
At midday, some were located on upper floors in the atrium, keeping watch over travelers and looking for anything that may look out of place.
The city's airport, like others, is especially vulnerable in the large public spaces where anyone can go prior to screening.
The dogs patrol especially in these areas.
In other ways, Atlanta has a leg up on most other cities. The general manager recently began daily screenings of all workers in an effort to try to negate any inside threat to the facility.
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"MARTA and other transit authorities throughout the nation at this point have not received any specific threat to our transit system," Lt. Aston Greene, Marta said.
Atlanta’s main public transportation system, MARTA, addressed security issues in the wake of the attacks early Tuesday afternoon. MARTA is staking steps to heighten security in wake of the Belgium attacks.
"We've taken several steps to make sure we are being as vigilant as possible. That includes more patrols of our officers throughout our system our canine unit is deployed," said Greene.
That increased security evident at Lindbergh's MARTA station.
At the same time the agency is in communication with federal and state partners including the joint terrorism task force, monitoring intelligence and taking whatever additional security measures deemed necessary.
"We are seriously engaged in doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our riding public," said Greene.
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The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the Brussels attacks. An Iraqi intelligence official said sources in the Syrian city of Raqqa told them ISIS has been planning terrorist attacks in Europe for two months, targeting airports and train stations.