In the wake of a troubling incident aboard a Metro A Line train in Long Beach, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has embarked on a mission to hold Metro accountable for passenger safety. With a resolute call for transparency and enhanced security measures, Hahn is determined to address the disturbing assault that took place and ensure the well-being of commuters.
Hahn, who also serves as a Metro director, expressed deep concerns about the response and security protocols following the attack on a woman by two unidentified suspects. She questioned the effectiveness of the multi-million-dollar law enforcement contracts, Metro security personnel, and the Metro Ambassadors whose role is to safeguard passengers on buses and trains.
The incident unfolded last Wednesday when the woman became a victim of assault on a northbound A Line train, previously known as the Blue Line. Hahn voiced her frustration, demanding answers about the apparent lack of intervention and stating, “But where were they when this woman was beaten up on the Blue Line last week? With this many layers of security, why didn’t anyone come to this woman’s aid? This is far from the first time there has been an attack on our trains in recent months. I will be asking for a full accounting of where our transit ambassadors, Metro security, and Long Beach Police officers assigned to Metro were at the time of this attack.”
As the chair of the board of supervisors, Hahn emphasized the urgency of ensuring the safety of residents. She firmly asserted, “Enough is enough. Our trains need to be safe for our residents.”
The Long Beach Police Department released an official statement regarding the incident:
“On May 17, 2023, at approximately 5:38 p.m., officers responded to the Metro Rail – Compton Station regarding a battery incident which was reported to have occurred on the train between the Metro Rail – Pacific Coast Highway Station and Willow Station. Upon arrival, officers contacted a female adult victim with minor injuries to her upper body. The preliminary investigation indicates the victim was riding the train when a female adult suspect confronted her and hit her multiple times. When the victim left the train, a male adult suspect knocked her phone out from her hands. The suspects fled the scene before police arrived. The Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel provided medical aid, and the victim declined transportation to a local hospital. Suspect information and the motive for the battery are under investigation. At this time, there is no information to indicate this is a hate or bias-motivated incident. The investigation is ongoing.”
In addition to seeking accountability for the security lapses, Hahn intends to scrutinize the protocol for riders needing to alert train operators to stop, raising questions about its adherence during the incident.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of comprehensive security measures and swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of Metro passengers. Supervisor Hahn’s determined call for transparency and improved security underscores the necessity of a vigilant approach in safeguarding commuters from such distressing incidents in the future. The pursuit of enhanced safety measures is essential to fostering an environment where residents can rely on public transportation without fear, emphasizing the responsibility of Metro and its partners to prioritize passenger security above all else.
