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Transportation Secretary Orders MARTA Safety Audit After Fatal Stabbing

6/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced audit of MARTA’s safety plans after the May 30 stabbing that killed 66-year-old Margaret Swan.
John Elijah Matthews, 25, was arrested for stabbing Swan on a train at Oakland City Station.
The Federal Transit Administration will review MARTA’s security spending, safety protocols, and federal fund use.
Duffy warned Chicago and Boston could lose support if their transit violence, three times the national average, is not reduced.

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Story summary

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced audit of MARTA’s safety plans after the May 30 stabbing that killed 66-year-old Margaret Swan.
John Elijah Matthews, 25, was arrested for stabbing Swan on a train at Oakland City Station.
The Federal Transit Administration will review MARTA’s security spending, safety protocols, and federal fund use.
Duffy warned Chicago and Boston could lose support if their transit violence, three times the national average, is not reduced.