Trump Administration to investigate MARTA after 'tragic' stabbings

The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into MARTA, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, following two recent stabbing attacks in the network.

The investigation was announced after a 66-year-old woman was fatally stabbed in what appeared to be an unprovoked and random attack as she waited for her MARTA train, the city's public transportation system. A 40-year-old man was stabbed multiple times a week prior at a MARTA station in an attack that stemmed from an altercation, federal officials said.

"Every American should be disturbed by the horrific crimes we have seen on MARTA in the last month. No one should be forced to fear for their safety because they choose to ride public transit," Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in a June 4 statement.

What is the Trump Administration investigating?

The rate of "personal security events" on MARTA employees and passengers, which includes assaults, robberies, attacks, and other safety breaches, is twice the national average, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

An investigation will "review the transit agency's security spending, safety protocols, and risks to riders and workers," the department said, as the city prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for the World Cup in just two weeks time.

"The (Federal Transit Authority) investigation will determine if systemic conditions exist that endanger the public or transit workforce on the Atlanta system," the department said.

MARTA officials will have 15 days to provide detailed reports on crime and fare evasion mitigation, security and safety funding, historic crime trends, annual budgets and other safety compliance information.

At the same time, the FTA will conduct an independent assessment of MARTA's Safety Risk Reduction Program and will investigate the agency's implementation of the Required Actions Regarding Assaults on Transit Workers general directive from 2024.

"From our nation's capital to Chicago, we've made substantial progress in holding systems accountable and enhancing security for transit workers and riders," Duffy said. "President Trump has made it clear that American families deserve better, and that's what we are going to deliver in Georgia too."

Death of great-grandmother sparks investigation

The Trump Administration announced the investigation after the death of 66-year-old Margaret Swan, identified as a great-grandmother and Atlanta resident.

Swan was traveling from the Lakewood MARTA station to the Oakland City station on May 30 and was sitting near the train door as a man stood next to her, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a folding knife, then attacked Swan and stabbed her at least 20 times in the neck and chest while she attempted to defend herself. Other passengers ran to get help, and later confirmed to law enforcement that the man had no interaction with Swan before attacking.

The man was arrested at the Oakland City station and identified as 25-year-old John Elijah Matthews, a Decatur resident. He was charged with "committing an act of violence using a dangerous weapon with the intent to cause death on a mass transportation system," which is a felony. The U.S. Attorney General will determine if the State of Georgia will seek the death penalty at a later date.

MARTA responds to safety concerns

Swan's death came less than a week after a 40-year-old man was attacked at the Georgia Tech MARTA Station.

On May 24, a man was stabbed repeatedly by another man in black pants, a flannel-style shirt and black baseball cap. The victim was taken to the hospital with injuries but is expected to survive. MARTA officials have released a warning to be on the lookout for the attacker, who has not yet been identified. It is not yet clear whether the attacker and victim interacted with one another before the stabbing.

The World Cup begins on June 11, with the first match being played in Atlanta on June 15, forcing MARTA to answer questions about passenger safety as recent attacks appear unprovoked.

MARTA interim General Manager Jonathan Hunt and MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher told Fox5 their safety plan for the World Cup includes 12,000 security cameras, extra uniformed and undercover officers and real-time monitoring from the crime center.

There will also be increased MARTA staffing to help manage large crowds on the train platforms, and expansion of the MARTA Hope program which helps riders experiencing mental health crises, substance abuse or homelessness.

Other law enforcement, from Atlanta Police to FBI Agents, will be staffed throughout the city for the duration of the World Cup.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [email protected].