A man accused of fatally shooting a bus passenger and hijacking a Metro bus in Los Angeles has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder and kidnapping. The incident occurred early on September 25, when a passenger was found with gunshot wounds and later died at a hospital, identified as 48-year-old Anthony Rivera.
The suspect, 51-year-old Lamont Campbell, was arrested the same day and faces 12 felony charges, including attempted murder and carjacking. If convicted, he could face over 90 years to life in prison. His arraignment is scheduled for October 1. The charges relate to the bus driver, Rivera, and other passengers who were on board during the incident.
Details surrounding Campbell’s motive remain unclear, and it is unknown if he has legal representation. The incident has raised concerns about rising violence on public transportation in Los Angeles, prompting officials to enhance safety measures.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the bus driver and police for their swift actions, expressing condolences to the victim’s family. The bus was equipped with a panic button that helped alert authorities, leading to a pursuit that lasted over an hour before the vehicle was stopped using spike strips. A SWAT team rescued the bus driver and a passenger who was found barricaded in the back.
Transit officials are advocating for improved security measures, including testing weapons detection systems at transit hubs. This incident is part of a troubling trend of violence on public transport, with reports indicating a significant increase in assaults on bus operators in recent years. Emergency funding has been allocated to retrofit buses with safety barriers to protect drivers from potential attacks.