LAS VEGAS, NV – A harrowing incident on a Las Vegas public bus has reignited concerns over passenger safety. A man was caught on camera brandishing a knife and later stabbing a fellow passenger 27 times. Remarkably, the victim survived but has since filed a lawsuit against the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) for failing to ensure passenger security. The attack has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety measures on the city’s bus system.
Two years prior, another violent episode on the same transit system resulted in a fatality, raising questions about the effectiveness of RTC’s safety protocols. The slow response of the bus driver in the earlier incident, taking four minutes to stop and allow passengers to disembark, sparked significant concern among both riders and drivers. Many have voiced a growing fear for their safety while using public transportation.
Attorney Don Parity, representing the latest victim, Joseph Lopez, argues that safety has long been a neglected issue on RTC buses. The lawsuit underscores the urgent need for visible security measures, such as onboard guards, particularly on busy routes. On the night of the attack, video footage revealed the assailant, Devenski Tongue, visibly wielding a knife for several minutes before the stabbing occurred.
In response to these security lapses, RTC has taken steps to improve safety. The agency has switched security vendors and now employs over 300 armed officers to patrol the buses, a move costing $23 million. Additionally, RTC is exploring innovative solutions, such as using artificial intelligence to detect weapons before passengers board.
Tom Atterbury, RTC’s Senior Director of Safety and Security, acknowledges past deficiencies but emphasizes that significant improvements have been made. Passenger-on-passenger incidents have reportedly decreased by over 40% from 2023 to 2024. Atterbury credits these improvements to enhanced security measures and stricter enforcement against fare evaders, which he believes has contributed to the decline in incidents.
Despite these advancements, some bus drivers continue to express concerns for their safety. They advocate for more armed security presence and are hopeful that new technologies will further enhance safety. The trial for the accused attacker, Tongue, is set for this summer, with bail previously set at a million dollars.
As the debate over transit safety continues, Nevada lawmakers in Carson City are considering Assembly Bill 361. This proposal would mandate physical barriers to protect drivers and require panic buttons on all transit vehicles necessitating a commercial driver’s license. While RTC has already implemented some of these measures, the ongoing discussions underscore the critical need for comprehensive safety strategies on public transportation.