By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-914454.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo FBI has increased its reward for information from an attempt to derail a passenger in the town of Brant earlier this month.
An Amtrak train with 354 people struck a barricade on CSX rail tracks. It happened east of Allegany Road July 5th along the Cattaraugus Reservation.
FBI Special agent in charge James Roberston said the barricade was deliberately placed on the tracks, but fortunately no one was hurt.
"We believe that there is individuals are out that know the individual or individuals that were responsible for this incident," said Roberston.
There was as sign placed about a half mile away from where the train hit the barricade that said "No mail, no rail". It was in response to the federal PACT law that calls to stop cigarette sales through the mail. But it was removed shortly after the incident.
Roberston said the Seneca Nation of Indians is cooperating fully with authorities in their probe.
The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an individual or individuals responsible has been doubled from $10,000 to $20,000.
Authorities say this is a very extremely serious matter. A reporter did ask the FBI if they believe it has any link to terrorism.
"We are not going to get in into motive and intent. It does, I guess in some respects, looks that it could be an act of terror. That's what terrorist want to do, is create terror in the minds of innocent people. But at this time we can't comment on who we think might have done it, what their ages are, or any kind of a profile there. We will follow the evidence," said Roberston.
U.S Attorney William Hochul said attempts to derail a passenger train is punishable by life in prison.
Details of how the barricade was set up and what evidence was recovered is being withheld as the investigation continues. No one was hurt in the attempted derailment.