The Grandmother Murder That Put Atlanta Transit In Washington’s Crosshairs

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched a federal investigation into Atlanta’s Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) after a series of violent incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old grandmother aboard a train. 

The Department of Transportation announced the review this week, citing concerns about rider safety and rising crime on the transit system.

“Every American should be disturbed by the horrific crimes we have seen on MARTA in the last month,” Duffy said. “No one should be forced to fear for their safety simply because they choose to ride public transit.”

The investigation was triggered after the May killing of Margaret Swan, who was fatally stabbed while riding a MARTA train.

According to authorities, surveillance video showed 25-five-year-old John Elijah Matthews approach Swan without provocation before stabbing her repeatedly as she attempted to defend herself. Swan died at the scene.

The attack came less than a week after another stabbing at a MARTA station, where a 40-year-old man was injured.

Duffy’s Transportation Department has given MARTA 15 days to submit detailed plans to combat fare evasion, its 2026 and 2027 security budgets, and records of all safety-related funding received from the Department of Homeland Security for its review and analysis. 

Duffy said the administration has already pushed transit agencies in other major cities to strengthen security measures.

According to the Transportation Department, Chicago has increased police patrols, Washington, D.C., has reported a decline in transit crime, Los Angeles has hired a police chief dedicated to transit authority, and Philadelphia has expanded its camera network. 

The push has gained urgency after a string of violent attacks, including the killing of  Debrina Kawam, who was set on fire aboard a New York City subway train in 2024, and the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on North Carolina’s light rail system.