Train Gunman Targets Trump, Security Gaps Exposed

0:00It's April 30th. This is Global News today, your AI-powered source for world news. Federal authorities just nabbed a guy named Cole Thomas Allen, charged with trying to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House. Correspondent's dinner last Saturday. He rode an Amtrak train all the way from California to DC, packing a shotgun and a semi-automatic pistol in his check bags. Parklets passengers check unloaded firearms in hard cases, but unlike airports, there's zero screening at train stations, no TSA patdowns or bag, scans, whether you're at a tiny stop in New Mexico or busy union station. Workers and unions are sounding the alarm, saying assaults on staff and guns on board are rising concerns, especially after rowdy crowds post-January. Sixth enduring the pandemic. They've pushed for better protections, and a conductor's recent union training helps spot another potential shooter earlier this year. A 2022 shooting on an Amtrak train in Missouri led to a huge jury verdict last year.

1:04Amtrak on the hook for 90% of a one. $158 million dollar award to the victim's family, citing negligence on security. Unions have bills pending in Congress to make messing with rail workers a serious crime, like it is for flights, while experts debate ramping up. Officials without turning every station into an airport hassle. It's a tricky balance, but pressures building for real changes.