The Trump administration launched a probe into Atlanta’s public transit system after two stabbings on the trains. The Federal Transit Administration announced an investigation on Thursday.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said his agency will investigate MARTA’s security spending and safety measures.
“Every American should be disturbed by the horrific crimes we have seen on MARTA in the last month,” Duffy said in a statement. “No one should be forced to fear for their safety simply because they choose to ride public transit.
This is Margaret Swan, a great-grandmother stabbed to death 20 TIMES in a random attack in the middle of the day on Atlanta’s public transit. Her murder was the second horrific attack on MARTA in a week.
I want ANSWERS from Atlanta. The number of assaults, robberies, and rapes… pic.twitter.com/63to64ehYQ
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) June 4, 2026
Atlanta’s public transit system is operated by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).
Last month MARTA announced everyone was allowed to ride free, including homeless people.
Police say Elijah Matthews, a 25-year-old homeless man, slashed Margaret Swan’s throat on a MARTA train on May 30. She was stabbed 18-20 times.
Swan, 66, screamed for help but her fellow passengers did nothing to help her. One rider recorded Swan’s lifeless body on the floor of a train car. The horrific video is still circulating on X.com.
Rail service is temporarily suspended at Oakland City.
A woman has been stabbed on MARTA. At least three witnesses say it was an unprovoked attack. The victim is either deceased or in critical condition. Suspect in custody. pic.twitter.com/nxTqFYm7ju
— ATLSCOOP (@ATL_SCOOP) May 30, 2026
On May 24, a 40-year-old man was stabbed at a MARTA station following an altercation, according to federal authorities. Police don’t have a suspect in that case.
MARTA will flood stations with police officers to protect tourists in town for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. But many residents express fear for their safety.
“I ride the system every day to go to work and other places,” MARTA passenger Joshua Hudson told CBS News Atlanta.
Several riders said they would like to see more police officers patrolling the stations daily. Right now, MARTA is more concerned with providing security for the World Cup and other international sporting events.
It's bright as hell in there now! ? pic.twitter.com/bPI7zNm5ur
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) June 1, 2026
They’re trying too hard to force Atlanta as an international city and it’s going to be this city’s end.
— nija. (@majornija) June 1, 2026
stations need more security. LA Metro has security at every stop.
The city of Atlanta needs to lock up people longer with assault and mental health issues
— Marcus Matthews (@GaTechAlum_IE92) May 30, 2026