KING County and Metro Transit are toying with the fate of a multibillion-dollar investment with the revealed truth about the fraud of public safety and transit security.

Three civilian rent-a-gnomes stood by as a teenage girl was assaulted and robbed Jan. 28 in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. The surveillance video shows the girl being attacked and knocked into the tunnel busway, and then being punched and stomped. The guards' only reaction was to reach for their phones. As per standing orders, which were followed to the letter.

The video is shocking to watch, and it is all the more alarming when it dawns on the viewer the attacker is not deterred for a moment by the presence of ersatz security guards. She seems to understand three empty vests will do nothing.

Apparently, the private security contract with Metro stipulates the pretend guards will not intervene if they witness suspicious behavior or criminal activity. Just observe and report.

One has to see the video to understand how pathetic that plays out in real life. A 15-year-old girl is having her head stomped by someone who leaves and returns to inflict more pain, and there is not the least bit of interference. This is not about expectations of guns blazing or wrestling suspects to the ground, but how about a simple attempt to prevent contact? Check out the video.

What indeed are taxpayers and transit riders paying for? Three security guards doing nothing. One would be plenty, given the job description and expectations.

So the message for the traveling public is simple: There is no security in the bus tunnel. If a rider needs directions or perhaps has some self-esteem issues to discuss, maybe — maybe — the folks in the reflective vests can help.

Otherwise, tough luck. You are on your own.

Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!