An engineer deliberately ran a train off the tracks at high speed near the Port of Los Angeles in an attempt to crash into the USNS Mercy hospital ship, prosecutors say.
The Pacific Harbor Line train derailed Tuesday, running through the end of the track and crashing through barriers, finally coming to rest about 250 yards from the docked naval ship.
Federal prosecutors allege train engineer Eduardo Moreno, 44, of San Pedro intended to hit the ship, saying he thought it was “suspicious” and did not believe “the ship is what they say it’s for.'”
The train crashed into a concrete barrier at the end of the track, smashed through a steel barrier and a chain-link fence, slid through one parking lot and then a second lot filled with gravel and hit a second chain-link fence. It came to rest after passing under a ramp leading to the Vincent Thomas Bridge. The train remained in that position Wednesday.
No one was injured in the derailment, but the train leaked fuel that required a hazmat response.
New Yorker suing ICE after officers went to his home to warn him over criticism of agency
WATCH: ‘The View’s Sunny Hostin Announces Lots of American Flags Make Her Feel Unsafe Because of ‘White Supremacy’
Popular Florida social media influencer killed in drive-by shooting while inside luxury SUV
ICYMI: CNN Says Jon Ossoff’s 2028 Presidential Chances Are Better Than Josh Shapiro’s Because He Doesn’t ‘Read as Jewish’
Top Platner ally turns on him after bombshell rape allegation rocks campaign: ‘Red line’
Report warns Russia using shadow fleet to probe NATO drone defenses
WATCH: Muslim Goes Viral Shouting, ‘This Is the Islamic Republic of New Yorkistan… Mamdani’s New York,’ Claims ‘Islam Will Be in Every Household’
Bo Derek Rips COVID Vaccine Mandates in Bill Maher Interview: ‘That’s a Problem’
Smoke from record DC fireworks show triggered ‘Code Red’ air-quality alert
Resolute rest: Child dozes off against famous desk during Trump’s accounts speech
Sen. Mark Kelly, Likely 2028 Dem Presidential Hopeful, Roots for Mexico in World Cup, Brags on Social Media About It
Mamdani Ripped for ‘Curious’ Response to U.S. Red Card Getting Overturned with Trump Involvement
Rumors Swirl as Multiple Graham Platner Events Are Abruptly Canceled
Tyler Robinson Seen Laughing at Hearing, Erika Kirk Cries and Leaves Courtroom
Israeli constitutional crisis deepens as opposition cries ‘anarchy,’ president warns noncompliance is ‘red line’
Authorities say Moreno admitted to crashing the train intentionally, but said he did not plan it out in advance. It is believed that he acted alone.
He allegedly made statements to a CHP officer that included “You only get this chance once. The whole world is watching. I had to. People don’t know what’s going on here. Now they will.”
Officials say video from inside the train’s cab shows Moreno holding a lighted flare during the incident.
Moreno has been charged with one count of train wrecking, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The Mercy arrived at the Port of Los Angeles this weekend.
The Navy hospital ship was brought in to handle non-coronavirus patients, to help ease the burden of local hospitals that are surging with COVID-19 cases.
The ship has about 1,000 hospital beds, with some 800 active-duty doctors, nurses and medical staff on board. It is expected to stay in Los Angeles at least until September or until it is no longer needed.
Story cited here.
