CTA conducting random train searches

Anti-terrorism patrols have started conducting security sweeps of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains to look for suspicious packages and passengers.

Chicago police and CTA security officers said they are attempting to guard the city’s elevated trains from an attack similar to March’s Madrid train bombings.

According to the Associated Press, there have been no threats specifically targeting Chicago, but CTA officials said they wanted to reassure passengers the city will be proactive to prevent an attack.

The sweeps began Aug. 30, officials said, with four eight-member security teams, including K-9 units, targeting randomly selected stations and stopping every train to search every car. The average search takes three to five minutes.