Police Investigate Possible Attack at CTA Belmont Station

Officials outline new efforts to strengthen transit-related prosecutions and improve safety across the CTA system.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged CTA transit security camera, with harsh lighting and a stark, gritty aesthetic, conceptually representing the challenges of transit safety and security in Chicago.A damaged CTA security camera exposes the vulnerabilities of the transit system, as officials work to strengthen prosecutions and improve safety.Chicago Today

Police were on the scene at the CTA Belmont Avenue Red-Brown-Purple Line station in Lakeview early Thursday investigating a possible attack on the Red Line. This comes as Cook County launches a new CTA crime task force to strengthen transit-related prosecutions and improve safety across the CTA system.

Why it matters

Ensuring the safety and security of public transit is a critical issue for Chicago residents and commuters. The CTA has faced ongoing challenges with crime and violence, which can deter ridership and undermine confidence in the system.

The details

The details of the incident at the Belmont station are still under investigation. The new CTA crime task force will aim to coordinate efforts between law enforcement, prosecutors, and transit officials to better address transit-related crimes.

  • Police responded to the incident at the Belmont station early Thursday morning.
  • Cook County launched the new CTA crime task force this week.

The players

Cook County

The county government that oversees the Chicago metropolitan area, including the city of Chicago.

CTA

The Chicago Transit Authority, the public transportation agency that operates the city's subway and bus systems.

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What’s next

The CTA crime task force will continue its work to address safety and security issues on the transit system, with a focus on coordinating law enforcement, prosecution, and transit agency efforts.

The takeaway

Ensuring the safety and security of public transit is a critical issue for Chicago, and the new CTA crime task force represents a coordinated effort to address ongoing challenges with crime and violence on the system.