Via train targeted to promote fear in travel: expert

TORONTO – The two men facing charges of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act targeted a Via train to put fear in travellers, according to one security expert.

“It’s critical infrastructure. Any type of transportation — airport, water or railway — would have a major impact on society,” said Christopher Menary, a security consultant, during an appearance on Global Toronto’s The Morning Show.

The RCMP charged Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, and Raed Jaser, 35, on Monday after uncovering an alleged plot to derail a passenger train travelling through the Greater Toronto Area.

Investigators said the suspects were under surveillance since August 2012 and watched several trains and railways in the GTA.

Railways remain easy targets for those seeking to inflict senseless violence, according to experts.

“It’s hard to defend against something like this,” said Hunter Austegard, director of HCRQ Inc., a rail safety consultancy in Williamsburg, Virgina.

While the threat was not imminent, police said they are confident the suspects had the means to carry out an attack.

“We deal with threats every day, we can’t drop our guard right now,” said Menary.

RCMP officials disclosed Monday the alleged plot involved a Via rail train departing Toronto’s Union Station headed 550 kilometres south east to New York City.

“With everybody travelling, we need your eyes and ears to assist law enforcement,” said Menary, adding “I wouldn’t be cancelling any plans, remember this threat was a year ago.”

– with a file from Jamie Sturgeon