LA JUNTA, Colo. (AP) — An Amtrak passenger who alarmed fellow passengers by talking about terrorist threats on a cell phone was pulled from the train and is being held in Colorado.
Ojore Nuru Lutalo, 64, was arrested Tuesday on an Amtrak passage from Los Angeles to Chicago. Passengers on the train alerted authorities after hearing the man from Elizabeth, N.J., mention al-Qaida and make threats in a cell phone conversation.
Police said in an affidavit that passengers overheard Lutalo saying he hadn't killed anyone yet and talking about going to jail.
Passengers say the man said, "We have to work in small groups. They can hold you for 18 months. Do they have security on these trains? Are you with me or not?"
One passenger said he heard Lutalo mention al-Qaida, saying, "17th century tactics won't work, we have 21st century tactics."
The conductor said Lutalo had a tan blanket over his entire body so the conductor could not see what he was doing.
Lutalo was taken into custody at the La Junta train station in southeastern Colorado. Police said he was not armed or carrying explosives. He was carrying propaganda for an anarchist group called Afrikan Liberation Army.
Lutalo is being held in lieu of bond in Otero County.
Lutalo was released in August from a New Jersey prison after a 27-year term for aggravated assault, robbery and two counts of weapons possession. New Jersey authorities said Lutalo has also used the name Leroy Bunting.
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Information from: The Pueblo Chieftain
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
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