Federal authorities have revealed that Cole Tomas Allen, the individual accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents Association dinner, traveled to Washington, D.C., via Amtrak train from California carrying a shotgun and a semiautomatic pistol.

Security Vulnerabilities Highlighted

This incident has brought renewed attention to ongoing security concerns within long-distance public ground transportation. Union officials are now urging Amtrak and other rail companies to significantly improve passenger screening and station security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Amtrak's Response

Amtrak declined to comment on specific security protocols or whether Allen adhered to the company’s firearm transportation guidelines. However, the company stated it is fully cooperating with federal investigators by providing necessary travel records.

Firearm Policies and Lack of Screening

Amtrak’s current policy requires firearms to be declared, unloaded, and securely stored in a hard case within checked baggage, adhering to size and weight restrictions. Unlike air travel, however, Amtrak passengers are not subject to security screenings, even at unstaffed stations or major hubs.

Calls for Improved Security Measures

Sean Jeans-Gail, vice president of government affairs at the Rail Passengers Association, explained that while Amtrak banned weapons after 9/11, no comprehensive security measures were implemented to detect them. A 2010 law mandates allowing firearms in checked baggage, often secured with zip ties and labels when dedicated baggage compartments are unavailable.

Worker Concerns and Past Incidents

Railway worker unions have consistently advocated for enhanced security, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the January 6th riots, where disruptive behavior was observed among train passengers. Jared Cassity, national safety director for SMART-TD, noted that Amtrak employees often hesitate to report incidents due to fear of retaliation.

Recent Legal Cases and Security Lapses

A 2022 fatal shooting on an Amtrak train near Lee’s Summit, Missouri, resulted in a $158 million federal jury award to the victim’s family in 2024, citing negligence and inadequate security. Michael Callanan, a former Amtrak employee and rail safety consultant, also pointed to issues like drug smuggling due to the lack of passenger screenings, and criticized Amtrak’s reluctance to invest in security infrastructure.