The Trump administration has initiated a federal investigation into Atlanta's Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) following two recent stabbings, including the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old woman on a MARTA train. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will conduct an audit focusing on worker and rider safety due to what officials described as concerning rates of violent incidents on the transit system.
Duffy stated, "I want answers from Atlanta. The number of assaults, robberies, and rapes on MARTA’s trains is more than three times the national average," in a post on social media. The investigation comes after the murder of Margaret Swan, who was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a 25-year-old man on a train.
The FTA's audit will assess whether MARTA has effectively implemented its safety plan, including measures to protect passengers and transit workers. The agency noted that MARTA reported one of only two transit-worker assault fatalities in the fiscal year 2025 and that its rate of serious personal-security incidents has been nearly double the national average since fiscal year 2024.
MARTA has been given 15 days to provide safety plans, assault reports, training records, and other requested documents to the investigators. The investigation will also examine MARTA’s strategies to reduce crime and fare evasion, as well as the allocation of federal funds intended to enhance security.
The recent stabbing of Swan occurred on May 30 while she was traveling on a northbound MARTA train. The suspect, John Elijah Matthews, has been charged with committing an act of violence using a dangerous weapon and is also facing local charges of felony murder. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the incident, showing Matthews attacking Swan without any prior interaction.
Law enforcement apprehended Matthews shortly after the incident, where he was found with a knife and blood on his clothing. Emergency medical personnel attempted to provide aid, but Swan was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation continues as authorities seek to address safety concerns within the transit system.
