Murderer Hijacks Bus in Los Angeles, Kills Passenger

A hijacked bus in Los Angeles culminated in tragedy as alleged assailant Lamont Campbell faces serious charges amid public outcry for increased transit security.

At a Glance

  • Lamont Campbell, 51, allegedly hijacked a bus, resulting in the death of a passenger.
  • Campbell faces multiple charges including murder and kidnapping.
  • The incident prompted discussions on public transit safety measures.
  • Campbell’s extensive criminal history has been highlighted by local authorities.

Incident Overview

In the early hours of September 25, Lamont Campbell allegedly hijacked a city bus in South Los Angeles. Armed with a semi-automatic handgun, Campbell overpowered the bus driver and directed him to continue driving, resulting in a slow-paced police chase through downtown Los Angeles. Tragically, 48-year-old passenger Anthony Rivera was shot and killed in the ordeal. Shortly after, police deployed spike strips to halt the vehicle and lead a hostage rescue operation.

It’s hard to believe people can do such terrible things…

 

Campbell’s arrest led to charges encompassing murder, kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, and gun possession as a felon. District Attorney George Gascón noted Campbell’s extensive criminal past, including previous charges related to narcotics. He faces a potential 90 years, eight months to life if convicted. With the community in shock, families call for stricter security measures on public transport to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

 

This is the kind of crime that Donald Trump wants to crack down on, by the way – and when he talks about taking extreme measures to stop it, the Democrats lose their mind. Remember how he said earlier this week that police should have one really “violent” day, cracking down on crime? Well, maybe crimes like this wouldn’t happen if criminals were afraid of what might happen. He’s right, isn’t he?

Anyway, back to the story…

Victim and Public Response

Anthony Rivera, a former National Guardsman, was returning home after a long shift at Dodger Stadium when the tragedy occurred. His family expressed profound grief and demanded improved transit security. “I just want justice for my boy,” Rivera’s mother Teresa stated.

Metro CEO Stephanie Higgins reinforced the necessity of safe transport for the city’s commuters, emphasizing that “Metro’s 12,000 employees deserve to be safe at work and our nearly 1 million customers deserve to be and feel safe.”

Troubling questions arise as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind Campbell’s actions. LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn has highlighted the pressing need for enhanced safety measures on public transit, supporting weapon screening systems and increased law enforcement presence. Discussions within local government aim to address public concern and ensure comprehensive safety improvements in the wake of this tragedy.

Legal Proceedings and Future Implications

Following his initial refusal, Campbell is set to appear in court for arraignment. Given his lengthy criminal record, including previous prison terms, the severity of current charges could result in a significant prison sentence. Public officials emphasize the necessity of addressing transit security, securing the safety of commuters, and restoring confidence in public transportation systems. This ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full truth behind the hijacking and prevent future tragedies.

We need a tough-on-crime president. And now.