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After Second Transit Worker Killing in Days, ATU Condemns Fatal Shooting of Hero Metro Worker

Union Blasts WMATA for Failure to Protect our Members and Riders

Media Contact: David Roscow, 202-487-4990

 

Silver Spring, MD – In the wake of the tragic fatal shooting of a Metro transit worker this morning, the second in the region just this week, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) is blasting WMATA for failing to provide better protection and safety measures for transit workers and riders.

“I want to express our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family and the loved ones of our fallen hero brother, who was tragically shot to death trying to stop the shooter. Our thoughts and prayers are also with our Local 689 members as they deal with this tragedy,” said International President John Costa. “The scourge of violence on the DC Metro has gotten out of control and must be stopped. We hold the authority directly responsible for failing to protect our members and riders.”

Three people were shot in the deadly incident that took place at the Potomac Avenue Metro station Wednesday morning, leaving two injured and our Local 689-Washington, DC member dead after he attempted to subdue the assailant, who has been caught.

Unfortunately, this brutal killing is not an isolated incident. Just this week, MTA MobilityLink driver Marcus Alsup, an ATU Local 1764 member, was violently killed on the job in Baltimore. Just last month, a suspect was charged with murder after a shooting at the Southern Avenue Metro station, and in December, there were two shootings just hours apart at the Benning Road and Metro Center stations.

Just last week, ATU sent an urgent letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, urging DOT to act immediately to address the national transit worker safety crisis. In the letter, ATU pleads for help for workers who have been shot, stabbed, and struck with canes, fire extinguishers, screwdrivers, hammers, and garbage cans. They have been sprayed with mace and pepper spray, burned with hot coffee, and doused in urine and spit. We have had senior citizens robbed for pocket change and women sexually assaulted. This constitutes a regular day on the job in the transit industry. Click here for a list of nationwide incidents.

“Our Union demands that federal and DC Metro government officials bring the same sense of regret that they will display in the public mourning of this tragic, unnecessary death of our brother and actually do something that will help to prevent these tragedies from happening. Transit workers cannot do their job, and passengers cannot travel on public transportation in fear of being attacked and assaulted,” Costa continued.