NY, DC transit authorities increase security after bin Laden killing

Transportation agencies in New York and Washington, D.C., have increased security in response to the killing of Osama bin Laden by a U.S. strike team in Pakistan.

"In light of last night's news and in coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement partners, we have increased security at key locations across the MTA's transportation system and remain on high alert," New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Jeremy Soffin said Monday in a statement.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which operates Metrorail and Metrobus, also announced new precautionary measures.

"Metro Transit Police and our jurisdictional law enforcement partners are increasing security of the Metro system as a precautionary measure related to the death of bin Laden," WMATA said in a statement Monday. "Please know that this increased security is not related to any specific threat, rather it is out of an abundance of caution."

Senior administration officials have said bin Laden's death could result in a retaliatory terrorist attack. The officials said on Sunday night there have been no specific threats, but called it "prudent" to take additional security measures.

The United States Capitol Police also said it was taking extra precautions.

"USCP is always at a heightened state of alert & readiness," Capitol Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider said in a statement. "While we continue to monitor and share intelligence with our law enforcement partners, USCP has implemented enhanced security measures in and around the Congressional Office Buildings.”

"The public may notice an increased police presence and enhanced patrols in the field — and some measures may not even be visible to the public. USCP also maintains on site liaisons within the intelligence community to share & communicate real time information," Schneider continued.

—Debbie Siegelbaum contributed.