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Sunset Limited Derailment

They who will not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Recent events raise ghosts of the past.

October 9, 1995

An Amtrak passenger train enroute from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California derails at 1:20 AM on a deserted section of track in a protected wilderness area. One railroad worker is killed, 77 passengers and crew are injured, 12 seriously. The train carried 248 passengers and 20 crew.

There is strong evidence of sabotage by a person or persons who knew how to defeat railroad safety devices.

A typewritten letter is found at the scene claiming that the derailment was caused by the "Sons of the Gestapo." The letter is critical of the government and bears swastikas. It alludes to the FBI and BATF involvement in the Randy Weaver incident in Ruby Ridge, Idaho and the Branch Davidian incident in Waco, Texas. It is also critical of local law enforcement in Arizona.

A Southern Pacific Railway spokesperson told reporters that the section of track is inspected for safety twice a week, the most recent inspection having been on October 5. The last train to successfully use the section of track passed through 18 hours before. Railway officials estimated that it would only take 10 minutes for knowledgeable persons to implement the sabotage.

President Clinton immediately cites the incident as an example of why his stalled anti-terrorism bill must be passed by Congress. The bill has been strongly criticized for its negative impact on civil liberties by both liberals and conservatives.

Who Did It?

It is not yet clear who is responsible. Among the suggestions:

A disgruntled railroad worker or rail proponent. This is reasonable since the technique for disabling the safety devices is not general knowledge. It is relevant to note that Southern Pacific Railway [which owns the section of track] has proposed abandonment of the lightly used, obsolete and allegedly poorly maintained section of track. This would prevent Amtrak service to Phoenix. It is also relevant to note that a niche railway publication carried an article a couple weeks earlier describing how a similar case of sabotage had been done a number of years earlier.
A neo-Nazi group. The letter found at the scene clearly is designed to point in this direction. However, nobody seems to have heard of 'The Sons of the Gestapo', and references to the Gestapo and swastikas have negative connotations that neo-Nazi groups tend to avoid as they attempt to present a more positive public image. Finally, it is not at all apparent that neo-Nazis would be sympathetic with Branch Davidians [an unusual religious community with both Christian and Judaic overtones].
An anti-Nazi group seeking to discredit neo-Nazis.
Militias attacking the government. Unlikely, since the attack would serve no purpose other than to raise a backlash.
Branch Davidian or Randy Weaver sympathizers (who want to punish the government but not take credit for it?) Unlikely. Besides, what would they have against local Arizona law enforcement?
A couple "good ol' boys" who had a few beers too many. Unlikely, in view of the letter which was apparently prepared in advance. Also, while a prankster might sabotage the track, it is unlikely that a prankster would know how to defeat the safety systems.
A lone nut influenced by "hate talk" on the radio. It is unlikely that such a person would have the technology, nor have I heard any "hate talk" on the radio that would be likely to lead to the sabotage of an Amtrak passenger train.
Someone disguntled with the OJ verdict who decided to take it out on a train full of people bound for LA. I actually saw this suggested on the internet. I don't give this one much credibility.
A supporter of President Clinton seeking to stir public sentiment against "hate talk" on the radio.
International terrorists. Since terrorists generally seek credit for their acts in order to publicize their cause, it is unlikely that international terrorists are responsible.
Gang Bangers carrying out an initiation rite. It is unlikely that such individuals would have the technical knowledge required to implement the sabotage.
Proponents of anti-terrorism legislation, which has been stalled in Congress due to concerns from both liberals and conservatives about the potential negative impact on civil rights. Creating such an incident would enhance their arguments.
Proponents of gun control who have an interest in the proposed anti-terrorism legislation because of the gun-control provisions.
Supporters of the FBI or BATF. These agencies have been taking a lot of heat in Congressional hearings for their role in the Randy Weaver and Branch Davidian incidents. An incident such as this might be useful to redirect public sentiment to view Randy Weaver and the Branch Davidians in a less savory light, rather than as victims of Federal government abuse.
Multiple independent conspirators. Consider, for example the possibility that some folks with an ax to grind with the railroads plot and execute the sabotage, while a Federal Law enforcement group which has infiltrated the first group plants the letter to achieve a political objective. Such a scenario is not far removed from a sting operation.

ANALYSIS

Groups that most likely would have the technology to accomplish the sabotage or who might benefit most from the act or the letter include:

A disgruntled railroad worker or rail proponent
A supporter of President Clinton
Proponents of anti-terrorism legislation
Proponents of gun control
Supporters of the FBI or BATF
Multiple independent conspirators

Am I suggesting a government conspiracy? Not necessarily, although I am not ruling it out, either. Even in the event that government employees are involved, they would not necessarily be acting in an official capacity. What is most clear, however, is that the note found at the scene was intended to mislead. "Sons of the Gestapo" indeed!

Regardless of who is responsible, we must still contend with the fact that incidents such as this are being cited by proponents of anti-terrorism legislation. We must keep in mind the lessons of history, such as the Reichstag fire and not allow ourselves to be frightened into giving up our civil liberties.

Sunset Limited Derailment

October 9, 1995

Who Did It?

ANALYSIS

See Also