Security Increased In Boston In Wake Of Brussels Attacks
BOSTON (CBS) -- After deadly explosions rocked a Brussels airport and subway station Tuesday morning, security around Logan Airport and local transportation locations has been stepped up.
At Logan Airport, things were relatively quiet--though security was present and on alert.
WBZ security analyst and former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said airport officials are constantly trying to come up with ways to expand security.
"Joe Lawless runs security at Logan, and I'll tell you that he and the other people that are in charge there are constantly looking at upgrading, and paying attention to the latest development," said Davis. "So they'll look at what happened in Belgium, and there may be some changes, but that's going to be up to them."
The MBTA said they are stepping up security in the wake of the terror attacks, with more uniformed officers in stations and on train platforms.
"Out of an abundance of caution, MBTA personnel and police are stepping up their vigilance and visibility today," the MBTA said in a statement. "Transit Police have more uniformed officers in stations and on train platforms."
"The "See Something, Say Something" message is being heard throughout the system to encourage customers to report any unusual activity."
Dozens were killed in the attacks, which began with two explosions at the main airport terminal in the Belgian capital's airport. An explosion ripped through a Brussels subway station half an hour later, and the death toll continued to rise Tuesday.
The Massachusetts State Police said they have increased patrols near transportation centers throughout the Commonwealth, and are monitoring information related to the terror attacks.
"At this point we have no intelligence that suggests any nexus between today's attacks and Massachusetts," State Police said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor developments and update the public accordingly."
The Boston Police Department said the Boston Regional Intelligence Center was monitoring the situation in Brussels.
"The Boston Police Department has adequate resources in place at this time," the BPD said in a statement. "While there are no credible threats at this time in our area, we are asking all officers to pay close attention to transit locations throughout the city."
Massport said they do not talk about specific security tactics, but said "The safety and security of the people who use and work in our facilities is our top priority."
Gov. Charlie Baker issued a statement Tuesday morning saying he was deeply saddened to hear of the attacks and assuring the public of increased local security.
"While there has been no credible threat to our state, Massachusetts law enforcement and homeland security teams continue to work with our federal partners to share and analyze all available intelligence information," Gov. Baker said. "Security has been strengthened for our public transit systems and airports and law enforcement teams will remain vigilant to ensure the safety of our citizens."
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh tweeted a statement in support of the Belgian people Tuesday.
Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey said the attacks should be condemned "with both words and actions."
"We pray for the victims, their families and loved ones and all of Brussels and the European Union, and we stand ready to support them," read Markey's statement. "While we must remain ever vigilant, we cannot and will never allow fear and hatred to win over tolerance and freedom."
At Logan Airport Tuesday morning, passengers waiting to board a flight to London had the attacks on their minds.
"First of all, I'm very very sorry for the people of Brussels and all the people that were affected by this," one woman told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens. "And yes, I am very very concerned about flying on a transatlantic flight today."
Another man said the terrorists would not keep him from flying.
"I can't let them decide what I'm gonna do," he said.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
