Terrorist or tourist? It’s your call

To Laveta Jones, the man videotaping from the window of a Septa train could have been on a terrorist recon mission.

In a recent Daily News column, she shared her worries, relating a recent train ride into Center City from Mt. Airy. During the trip a passenger not only videotaped but also spoke on a mobile phone in some language other than English.

Of course she called 911. But police didn’t detain the man, whose footage apparently included shots of “electrical equipment” along the line. Later, according to Laveta, the man took footage at the Gallery Mall.

Really? Does using a video camera on a train or at the mall now constitute suspicious behavior. If so, do plaid shorts lessen the threat?

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I’m glad Laveta never saw me with my trusty camera. Being from a much less urban spot, in Colorado, I’ve always been fascinated by they view from SEPTA train windows. I used to snap a lot of pictures during my commute, particularly of all the graffiti. I guess I’m glad Laveta wasn’t sharing a seat with me.

If I had been on the train with this man, would I have dialed 911? Certainly not. It seems pretty clear to me he was just a foreign visitor out to see the sights.

What would you have done? Do you think the man actually could have been a terrorist?

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