Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Director Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on this morning’s hijacking of a Metro bus.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic events surrounding the hijacking of a Metro bus overnight. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the individual who succumbed to his injuries after being shot by the gunman.

I commend the extraordinary bravery of the bus driver, who, while held hostage, managed to activate a silent alarm to alert law enforcement. Their quick thinking was instrumental in the response and showcased the courage of those who serve our public transit system. I am also thankful to the responding police officers, who successfully ended the pursuit without any additional injuries.

In light of this incident, Metro has offered mental health services to support the bus driver and all passengers impacted by this traumatic experience. Additionally, I join several of my colleagues in calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that allowed this incident to occur. Understanding how this could happen is vital to preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of our transit system.

I stand committed to the safety and well-being of all our bus drivers, staff, and passengers, and will continue to work tirelessly to enhance security measures moving forward.”