The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) increased security on subways, buses and light rail lines on Tuesday in response to an anonymous threat targeting the Universal City Red Line Subway Station. The increased security will continue, but authorities declined to disclose how long.

Mayor Eric Garretti rode the Metro Red Line subway on Dec. 6 to demonstrate it is safe. (photo courtesy of Mayor Eric Garrett’s Office)

Law enforcement authorities were notified about the threat on Dec. 5 and immediately disseminated the information to the media and public. The person who made the threat specifically mentioned the Universal City subway station, but authorities cautioned the threat was “uncorroborated.” It was made to a tip line in a foreign country by an individual speaking English, but authorities declined to identify which country. The Los Angeles Times reported the threat was made to a tip line in Australia.

Law enforcement officials increased security as a precaution. The threat remains under investigation by the FBI, said spokeswoman Ari DeKofsky.

Metro’s transportation system is patrolled by personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“We are asking the public to take the same regular precautions you normally take,” said Sheriff Jim McDonnell. “Remain calm but vigilant. We will have increased presence.”

The Los Angeles Police Department also increased the presence of officers around Metro subway and light rail stations to support sheriff’s department personnel, said LAPD spokeswoman Liliana Preciado.

Mayor Eric Garcetti rode the Red Line Subway from the Universal City station on Tuesday morning to demonstrate the transportation system is safe. He cautioned people to report any suspicious activity.

“I rode the Red Line to demonstrate my utmost confidence in the work of our law enforcement partners and everyone who works tirelessly every day to keep our Metro system safe and secure. Tens of thousands of Angelenos ride the subway each day, and I joined them to show that I would not ask them to do anything that I’m not willing to do myself,” Garcetti said. “I stood alongside local and federal law enforcement partners [on Dec. 5] to discuss a potential threat to commuters on our Metro Red Line. While we did not have enough information to consider this threat credible, we felt it was important to let the public know and to take additional steps to keep everyone safe.”

Garcetti encouraged members of the public to download the iWATCHLA app, which offers information about how to report activity that may be terrorist-related. The public can also call (877)ATHREAT and the sheriff’s department’s Transit Watch Hotline at (888)950-7233.

“All of us can be the eyes and ears on this system and throughout the city,” Garcetti said. “Make sure if you do see something, say something.”

Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington said additional precautions are being taken to increase security, but declined to provide specifics because of the investigation.

“At this point, we don’t know if this is a credible threat, but the safety of our passengers, employees and the public is our number one priority, so we take this threat very seriously,” Washington added.