TUCSON, Ariz. — A 16-year veteran of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has been identified as the victim in a shooting aboard Amtrak’s Sunset Limited on Monday in Tucson.
The Arizona Republic reports that Michael Garbo was killed as agents were detaining 22-year-old Devonte Mathis after finding marijuana and other cannabis products in his backpack, according to a court filing. While Mathis was being detained on the upper level of the Superliner car, a second man opened fire with a hand gun, then barricaded himself in a bathroom on the lower level. That individual was later found dead inside. The identity of that individual has not yet been released.
Two other agents, one from the DEA and one from Tucson Police, remain hospitalized, in critical and stable condition, respectively. The FBI has taken control of the ongoing investigation.
Thugs and drugs are everywhere, even on Amtrak. Maybe securing our Southern Border would be a move in the right direction….
I saw one media account saying that Amtrak had made the notification for law enforcement to investigate. Jason I don’t know what the initial report was about. Possibly law enforcement’s crystal ball or their Superman X-ray vision was bad ordered. How would they know what type of drugs were involved? Maybe it was fentanyl, heroine, or some other type of illegal drugs.
Apparently the guy with the gun thought it was important enough to be carrying one to protect the product.
One time, I was on Amtrak’s NYC-Toronto train, and at Niagara Falls, we were told to move to the car behind our car while customs went through ours with dogs. The dogs (een through the door window) even went through the luggage rack. Nothing found and we crossed into Canada. Glad this was over 25 years ago.
Welcome to the Thug Nation. It’s been coming for 13 years now.
They used to check the Calif. Zephyr here in Denver, too. Maybe they still do. Our car attendant told us that they also look for large amount of cash people are carrying, an indication of drug deals. Once found a woman with $200,000 cash in a duffel bag.
The days of “easy on, easy off” for Amtrak will end fairly soon. Look for a TSA style screening of passengers before entering a boarding area.
Since Amtrak doesn’t allow for any firearms to be personally carried on its trains, it seems that the shooter was armed either because of what he was illegally transporting [whether or not he was traveling with Mathis] or he was on the run from the law. However, if Amtrak is not actually screening passengers for firearms then their rules have the same effect as the signs “no firearms allowed on premises” or “gun free zone” do when no screening is done.
Condolences to Michael Garbo’s family.
Agents also board the Southwest Chief in Albuquerque. Evidently some drug dealers send drug couriers east on Amtrak.
This is so concerning. First off, why are we wasting time and effort on cannabis related issues? It’s not like he was running fentanyl. Secondly, why are we doing this on-board a train with many other uninvolved parties in very tight enclosed spaces? The potential for injuries to by-standers is high. I think there needs to be a thorough review of the DEA’s practices in this area. Amtrak needs to, through the Secretary of Transportation, raise these issues forcefully. Trains are not proper venues for drug enforcement operations.
Totally agree Jason, totally agree. From what I read so far this is not the first time DEA has used Amtrak either. If DEA is going to pursue suspects by rail wait until they’re off the train before innocents get hurt or worse.