Singing train rider ejected, mayor sorry

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MIAMI, March 8 (UPI) -- Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has issued an apology to an 82-year-old woman who was forcibly removed from a Metrorail train for singing hymns.

Gimenez apologized Thursday to Emma Anderson, 82, who was kicked off a Metrorail train Feb. 20 after she refused a security guard's request for her to stop singing hymns, WFOR-TV, Miami, reported Friday.

The incident, which was recorded on a cellphone by a fellow passenger, resulted in the woman falling on the platform while struggling with the guard who grabbed her bag.

"We are sorry that this incident occurred and apologize to Mrs. Anderson," the mayor said in a statement.

"The situation should have been handled with more care and common sense," the mayor said in a statement issued Thursday. "We have made it clear to all county employees and contractors that our patrons must be treated with dignity and respect."