The Trump administration has launched a sweeping federal investigation into Atlanta’s public transit system following two recent stabbing attacks, including the shocking murder of a 66-year-old great-grandmother aboard a MARTA train.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Thursday that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will conduct a detailed audit of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), citing concerns about violent crime, passenger safety and what federal officials describe as troubling security failures throughout the system.

The investigation comes less than a week after Margaret Swan, a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother, was allegedly stabbed to death in what authorities describe as a completely unprovoked attack while riding a northbound MARTA train.

Federal officials say the review will examine whether MARTA has adequately implemented safety measures designed to protect both riders and transit workers.

In a sharply worded statement posted on social media, Duffy signaled that federal authorities intend to take an aggressive approach.

“I want ANSWERS from Atlanta,” Duffy wrote.

“The number of assaults, robberies, and rapes on MARTA’s trains is MORE THAN THREE TIMES the national average.”

The transportation secretary specifically referenced Swan’s killing, saying her family deserves accountability.

“Margaret’s family DESERVES ACCOUNTABILITY. No one should be forced to fear for their safety on public transit,” he said.

The federal audit is expected to focus heavily on MARTA’s handling of violent crime, its safety planning, employee training procedures, and the effectiveness of measures intended to prevent attacks on passengers.

Investigators are also expected to scrutinize the transit agency’s efforts to combat fare evasion and determine whether security funding has been properly spent.

According to the FTA, MARTA has been ordered to provide extensive documentation within 15 days, including safety plans, incident reports, assault records and training materials.

The federal agency noted that MARTA reported one of only two transit-worker assault fatalities nationwide during fiscal year 2025.

Officials also pointed to statistics indicating that serious personal-security incidents on MARTA have been occurring at nearly twice the national average since fiscal year 2024.

The review was announced as authorities continue investigating the murder of Swan, whose death has sparked outrage across Georgia and beyond.

Federal prosecutors say 25-year-old John Elijah Matthews has been charged in connection with the killing.

Matthews, a resident of Decatur, Georgia, faces a federal charge alleging he committed an act of violence using a dangerous weapon on a mass transportation system with intent to cause death.

He is also facing felony murder charges in state court.

According to prosecutors, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will ultimately determine whether federal prosecutors seek the death penalty if Matthews is convicted.

Court documents describe a horrifying sequence of events that unfolded aboard a MARTA train shortly before noon on May 30.

Authorities allege Matthews boarded Train Car 134 at approximately 11:24 a.m. while Swan sat alone several seats away.

Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators reportedly shows Matthews moving toward Swan without any prior interaction between them.

According to prosecutors, passengers later told police they never witnessed any conversation or confrontation between the two.

The arrest warrant affidavit alleges that Matthews approached Swan and stood near her for several seconds before pulling a folding knife from his pocket.

Authorities say he then launched a sudden attack.

Investigators allege Matthews grabbed Swan and slashed her throat before repeatedly stabbing her.

According to federal prosecutors, surveillance footage shows Swan attempting to defend herself as she was stabbed approximately 18 to 20 times in the chest and neck.

The attack reportedly unfolded in front of horrified passengers.

Witnesses scrambled to escape while others called 911.

Authorities say Swan screamed for help as the assault continued.

Prosecutors allege Matthews maintained control of the victim during much of the attack, preventing her from escaping.

The affidavit states that after the stabbing, Matthews allegedly threw Swan to the floor of the train car and remained nearby until the train arrived at Oakland City Station.

At approximately 11:27 a.m., he allegedly exited the train carrying the knife.

Passengers immediately directed responding officers toward the suspect.

According to investigators, MARTA Police Officer Bolton heard commotion on the platform and observed riders pointing toward Matthews.

The affidavit states that officers ordered Matthews to surrender.

When he allegedly failed to comply, officers moved in and took him into custody.

Prosecutors say Matthews was found carrying a bloody folding knife that appeared consistent with the weapon seen in surveillance footage.

Investigators also reported finding blood on his clothing.

Court records indicate Matthews told authorities he did not currently have a permanent address or a phone number.

Meanwhile, emergency responders desperately attempted to save Swan’s life.

Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead.

The loss has devastated her family.

Swan’s daughter, Shanae Sams, has described her mother as the foundation of their family and someone who would do anything for the people she loved.

Family members have remembered Swan as a devoted grandmother whose death has left an enormous void.

The federal investigation was also prompted by another recent stabbing incident on MARTA property that occurred only days before Swan’s killing.

Officials have not publicly connected the two attacks, but the incidents have intensified concerns about rider safety throughout Atlanta’s transit network.

The timing has created mounting pressure on MARTA leadership.

Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt now faces intense scrutiny as federal investigators prepare to review the agency’s security operations.

The audit is expected to evaluate whether MARTA has effectively implemented strategies designed to reduce violent crime and whether existing policies are sufficient to protect passengers.

Transit advocates have long argued that public transportation must remain accessible and safe for all riders.

However, recent incidents have raised questions about security presence, emergency response capabilities and broader crime-prevention efforts across the system.

For many Atlanta residents, Swan’s death has become a symbol of those concerns.

The image of a grandmother riding a train in broad daylight before allegedly becoming the victim of a random and brutal attack has resonated deeply with the public.

Federal officials have emphasized that the investigation is not limited to a single incident.

Instead, they say the audit will examine MARTA’s overall safety culture and determine whether systemic problems contributed to the troubling crime statistics cited by the Transportation Department.

As investigators begin their review, Matthews remains in custody while criminal proceedings move forward.

The case has already become one of the most closely watched transit-related homicide investigations in recent Georgia history.

For Swan’s family, however, the federal audit cannot undo what happened aboard that train.

Their focus remains on seeking justice for a woman they describe as loving, selfless and deeply devoted to her family.

Now, with Washington stepping in and demanding answers, MARTA faces one of the most consequential safety reviews in its history—while Atlanta residents wait to learn whether the investigation will lead to major changes aimed at preventing another tragedy.