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Looking at that map, how far would the train have had to travel to accelerate to 106 and brake to 102 MPH before derailing? Would the incident (if there was one) have occurred in the vicinity of the other incidents or further down the track, and when would it have occurred in relation to the other incidents, time wise.

If an object hit the train, it would have to be pretty heavy to damage the windshield (or fast), and would likely be dropped or thrown from some higher access point like an overpass or pedestrian overpass. While that may not be absolutely necessary, it would provide a miscreant a better opportunity to escape the environs on foot or by vehicle.

Knowing if such structures were the launch points would tie in the M.O. of the person or persons throwing projectiles, and whether or not they were likely involved in any alleged incident with the Amtrack train.

That said, I have retained control of vehicles with a windshield rendered opaque with a variety of substances, including deer intestines and contents, while coping with the airbag the critter set off while destroying my radiator at 65 MPH, at night, winding the window down and not leaving my lane while slowing the vehicle and coming to a safe stop despite a poorly graded shoulder and opposing truck traffic (two lane road).

I would think the engineer would have had ample time to correct any error in throttle position, and should have at least noticed the train was accelerating.

Something here does, indeed, stink.

My hunch is that there are those who figure if the accident can be blamed on unknown persons throwing objects at the train, the mantle of liability will ride a lot lighter on the rail line versus a situation in which negligence or an overt act by the crew caused the derailment.

Money money money money....follow it.