Man arrested not connected to attacks, authorities say
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A man allegedly carrying a knife aboard an Amtrak train was arrested Wednesday, but authorities said he had no apparent connection to this week's terrorist attacks.
Train No. 173 heading from Boston to Washington, D.C., was stopped by local authorities in Providence, its passengers were ordered off, and city police arrested the unidentified man. Police said three other men were released after questioning.
A man with a long beard was taken in handcuffs from the train station at about 3:20 p.m. The man, who was wearing a green turban, green shirt and dark pants, was put into a Providence police cruiser.
In Washington later, FBI Director Robert Mueller said individuals had been detained and questioned but there had been no arrests by investigators probing the terror attacks.
Col. Richard Sullivan, the police chief, said Providence police were contacted by Boston police, who said there were some people on board the train they considered suspicious.
Providence Mayor Vincent Cianci Jr. said police told him they were looking for as many as four suspects who eluded authorities in Boston. Two of the hijacked planes that crashed Tuesday took off from Boston.
"I don't know if any of these people have anything to do with the events that happened yesterday," Cianci said.
The train was due in Washington at 8:50 p.m. After being stopped for about 90 minutes, it resumed service.
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