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| Train 93! Passengers subdue man armed with knife who threatens to kill Americans |
| 2003-01-08 |
| BIG SANDY, Texas - In a terror scene reminiscent of Sept. 11, an armed man threatening to kill Americans aboard an Amtrak train had to be subdued by passengers. "All Americans will die!" suspect Gerardo Bedia was quoted as shouting, along with a host of obscenities before being overpowered by fellow travelers Sunday. Good job, people. Let's Roll! According to Big Sandy police, the man spoke English, Spanish and "some kind of Middle Eastern language." Wotta surprise! Chief Ronnie Norman said the weapon – a black, all-plastic polymer folding knife – is typically used to defeat metal detectors, the Longview News-Journal reported. "It could have been a lot worse," Norman told the paper. "The passengers did a fantastic job of restraining him." . . . Bedia "was barely conscious, not coherent, couldn't walk well and had to be assisted from the train," according to the Tyler Morning Telegraph, which said authorities believe the 21-year-old was intoxicated. I thought adherents of the "religion of peace" didn't drink. The assailant also reportedly grabbed for an officer's gun as he was being arrested. Officials searched bags on the train for other weapons before the train was able to resume its journey. Bedia is reportedly an American citizen who was carrying Army identification. Chief Norman told the News-Journal that passengers should be commended for restraining Bedia, comparing their bravery to actions by United Flight 93 passengers, who confronted terrorist hijackers on Sept. 11, 2001. Local authorities contacted the FBI, and Bedia was being held on charges of making a terroristic threat. He's probably a nutcase, and not a terrorist, but the reaction of the passengers is nevertheless a worthy echo of the bravery of the Flight 93 Volunteer Infantry. |
| Posted by:Mike |
| #8 I am horrified at the thought of these weirdo's running around with knives threatening the public. Orenthal J. Simpson |
| Posted by: Bobbing4Kittens 2003-01-09 07:42:18 |
| #7 "was barely conscious, not coherent, couldn't walk well..." Was this before or after the passengers pummeled him? |
| Posted by: Anonymous 2003-01-08 13:47:58 |
| #6 Bedia "was barely conscious, not coherent, couldn't walk well and had to be assisted from the train," according to the Tyler Morning Telegraph, which said authorities believe the 21-year-old was intoxicated. I thought adherents of the "religion of peace" didn't drink. True, which means the passengers really roughed the guy up. Bravo! Next time, fellow citizens, try breaking a leg. Or two. |
| Posted by: Anonymous 2003-01-08 13:41:40 |
| #5 Sorry, I meant Michael Moore no stupid white guys on the train? |
| Posted by: john 2003-01-08 13:31:19 |
| #4 Where is Mike Murphy when you need him? |
| Posted by: john 2003-01-08 13:21:03 |
| #3 How long before CAIR or the ACLU files suit against AMTRAK for excessive force or similar charge? |
| Posted by: mhw 2003-01-08 12:40:12 |
| #2 Well, at least the passengers had the right responses on deck. Rat pack his ass, then kick the crap out of him. I wonder if he planned to drive the train into some buildings?... |
| Posted by: mojo 2003-01-08 11:58:55 |
| #1 My vote for dumbest terrorist! First he is going to attack Texans, then fly this train into a building! Attacking Texans is the dumber of the two actions. |
| Posted by: Flash91 2003-01-08 11:57:03 |