Mahnomen man kicked off Amtrak train, says it’s because he’s black

STAPLES, Minn. – Video shows a Mahnomen man being kicked off an Amtrak train. Xavier Edison says it happened because he’s black.

“I paid 50 bucks for a ticket that don’t have no specific seating on there,” Edison said.

“That’s neither here nor there. We’re asking to please leave the train,” and Amtrak employee said.

“I’m talking to the officer right now, sir,” Edison said.

Edison says he moved to another seat to get away from a passenger who smelled of alcohol. After a conductor told him to get off the train, he reported the incident to police in Staples.

A federal civil rights complaint says Edison was removed from the train by an armed Amtrak officer while white passengers were left alone and allowed to sit wherever they wanted.

The complaint says Amtrak is aware that the same conductor was involved in several prior race discrimination complaints, but no disciplinary action was taken.

A statement from Amtrak states, “While we are unable to comment on this specific case due to active litigation, we strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Amtrak is proud of our diverse and inclusive environment for our employees and customers, where diverse ideas, backgrounds and perspectives thrive. We continue to aggressively advance and promote inclusion and equality at Amtrak.”