A 66-year-old great-grandmother was fatally stabbed on an Atlanta train, prompting federal charges against John Elijah Matthews. Her grieving daughter demands answers about transit security. Bruce Levell, former MARTA operations chairman, emphasizes safety concerns on the heavily used transit system and the challenges posed by homeless individuals seeking refuge on trains.
The Trump administration has initiated a federal investigation into Atlanta’s troubled transit system following two recent stabbings. These include the fatal attack on the 66-year-old woman aboard a MARTA train. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the Federal Transit Administration will audit the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) for rider and worker safety due to what he described as high rates of violence on the system.
“I want ANSWERS from Atlanta. The number of assaults, robberies, and rapes on MARTA’s trains is MORE THAN THREE TIMES the national average,” Duffy said in a recent post.
The investigation follows the murder of Margaret Swan, a great-grandmother, allegedly stabbed to death by a homeless man on an Atlanta train. John Elijah Matthews now faces a federal charge of committing an act of violence causing death on a mass transportation system.
Duffy remarked, “Margaret’s family DESERVES ACCOUNTABILITY. No one should be forced to fear for their safety on public transit.” In a letter to MARTA Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt, the FTA outlined that the audit will assess whether MARTA has properly implemented its safety plan. This includes measures to prevent assaults on workers and safeguard passengers.
The agency pointed out MARTA reported one of only two transit-worker assault fatalities nationwide in fiscal year 2025. Since fiscal year 2024, its rate of serious personal-security incidents has nearly doubled the national average.
The federal review will evaluate MARTA’s strategies to decrease crime and fare evasion. It will also examine how MARTA has allocated federal and other funds intended to enhance security for passengers and employees. Duffy stated that MARTA has 15 days to submit safety plans, assault reports, training records, and other requested documents to investigators.
The inquiry follows two stabbing incidents on MARTA property, including the murder of the 66-year-old and another stabbing at a station days earlier. In the recent attack, John Elijah Matthews was charged with committing an act of violence using a dangerous weapon with intent to cause death on a mass transportation system, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
Additionally, he is charged locally with felony murder. Surveillance footage captured the unprovoked attack inside a moving train before MARTA police apprehended the armed suspect.
The fatal incident happened around 11:25 a.m. on May 30 while Swan was traveling on a northbound MARTA train. According to an affidavit by MARTA Police Detective Douglas Burn, Matthews boarded Train Car 134 at 11:24:59 a.m. Swan had boarded the same vehicle minutes earlier and was sitting alone.
Footage allegedly showed Matthews approaching Swan, then reaching into his pocket, and taking out a knife. He allegedly cut Swan’s throat and stabbed her approximately 18 to 20 times.
Prosecutors state that Matthews brutally attacked Swan in the chest and neck as she tried to defend herself. Other passengers fled for help. At least one confirmed there was no prior interaction between Swan and Matthews.
Matthews allegedly exited the train with the knife. MARTA police swiftly arrived and apprehended him, despite his initial refusal to comply.
Authorities reportedly found a bloody knife and blood on Matthews’ clothes. He has allegedly been without a fixed address or phone number.
First responders attempted to provide medical aid, but Swan was pronounced dead at the scene. The Fulton County Medical Examiner recorded her time of death as 2 p.m.
MARTA and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office are yet to provide additional information.