(Forestville, Maryland) February 1st, 2023 – This morning, an armed gunman walked into Potomac Avenue Metro station and opened fire after a brief verbal altercation with another rider. The shooter wounded three individuals and killed another. 

It is with deep sadness that we learned that the individual killed was in fact a member of Local 689. Our union family stands strong in this incredibly difficult hour and asks for respect and privacy for the family and friends affected as details are made public. 

While we learn more about this tragedy and law enforcement conducts an investigation, we already know that in the face of danger, our brother selflessly leapt into action to heroically defend those around him.

What is already clear is that the heroes that run our transit day in and day out and the riders they faithfully serve deserve to go to work knowing they are free from fear of violence.That is not the case. The rise of attacks on riders and workers alike is deeply disturbing.

As such, Local 689 calls on public officials at Metro and throughout the region to immediately review safety protocol and procedures to ensure that public transit is safe for all.

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Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 has more than 15,000 members and retirees performing occupations within the many skilled transportation crafts for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), MetroAccess, DASH, and the DC Circulator and Streetcar among others. A member of the Amalgamated Transit Union (AFL-CIO/CLC), the largest labor organization representing transit workers in the United States and Canada, Local 689 was established on January 19, 1916. For more information please visit our website at atulocal689.org.