Lamont Campbell is charged with hijacking a Metro bus and killing passenger Anthony Rivera in Los Angeles on September 25
October 1, 2024 - LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on Monday that Lamont Campbell, 51, is charged with allegedly hijacking a public bus 
with passengers and shooting and killing Anthony Rivera, 48, in the city of Los Angeles on September 25.
“Today, I stand with a heavy heart as we confront the tragic aftermath of a senseless act of violence that has taken a life and shattered the sense of safety for many in our community,” said District Attorney Gascón. “My deepest condolences go out to the victim's family and all those affected by this horrific event. Every day, countless individuals rely on public transportation to go about their lives, to work, to school, and to connect with their loved ones. It is unacceptable that anyone should feel fear while simply traveling within our county. I am committed to ensuring that all Angelenos can navigate their daily routines without the threat of violence looming over them.”
Lamont Campbell (DOB: 8/29/73) is charged with one count of murder; one count of attempted murder; one felony count of kidnapping during carjacking; four felony counts of kidnapping; one felony count of carjacking; one felony count of assault with a semi-automatic handgun; one felony count of robbery; one felony count of evading with reckless disregard; and one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
It also is alleged that the defendant personally used a handgun in the commission of these crimes.
“Lamont Campbell’s hijacking of a Metro bus and murder of a passenger just trying to get home from work sent shockwaves through the city,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn who also serves as the Chair of the Metro Board of Directors. “I appreciate District Attorney Gascón’s attention to this case and filing these charges quickly. People need to be able to take our public transit system and know that they will get home safely, and I will continue to push for weapons detection technology and other solutions to protect our passengers from people who mean them harm.”
On September 25, at approx. 12:30 a.m., Campbell allegedly boarded a Metro bus with several passengers at the corner of Figueroa Street and Vernon Avenue in the city of Los Angeles. He pulled out a firearm and shot passenger Anthony Rivera multiple times, killing him. Campbell then threatened the driver with the firearm and demanded he drive. Campbell also threatened the other passengers with the weapon and robbed a passenger.
Police attempted to stop the bus and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The bus was stopped with a spike strip around South Alameda Street and 6th Street. The passengers and driver were rescued by Los Angeles Police SWAT members and Campbell was arrested at the scene.
“Holding the person who committed this heinous crime accountable for his actions is an important step in helping to dissuade further crime on our system,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Metro’s 12,000 employees deserve to be safe at work and our nearly 1 million customers deserve to be and feel safe as they travel to and from their homes, work, and leisure activities. We appreciate the work by the LAPD to arrest the suspect and to the DA for their prosecution under these charges.”
“The Los Angeles Police Department remains committed to our partnership with the MTA to provide safe public transit for all Angelenos," Los Angeles Police Assistant Chief Blake Chow said. “Tragically, today’s filing for murder will not bring back Mr. Rivera. However, I am hopeful that bringing the suspect to justice in the courts can bring a sense of closure to his family and friends.”
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim,” said Metro Board Director and Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “It goes without saying that we demand full accountability for this senseless act of violence. I commend the brave Metro staff and first responders for quickly intervening and District Attorney George Gascón for bringing forth charges today against Lamont Campbell. As a Metro Board member, safety is our top priority. Achieving this requires a thoughtful and wide-ranging approach to meet the various needs of our riders; this includes our partnerships with Metro’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, Metro Ambassadors, and law enforcement, which are key components. We must continue to listen to our riders and work across the region to ensure everyone feels safe, comfortable, and welcomed throughout our entire transit system.”
Campbell is scheduled to be arraigned October 1 in Dept. 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. The People are requesting that Campbell be held on $5,575,000 bail.
If convicted as charged, Campbell faces a maximum sentence of 90 years and eight months to life in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by LADA’s Major Crimes Division and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Source & photo: Los Angeles County District Attorney
