Trump administration to investigate MARTA after stabbing attacks

The Trump administration will investigate MARTA after two stabbing attacks on the system, including the killing of a 66-year-old woman on Saturday.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Thursday asked the Federal Transit Administration to look at MARTA’s safety and security spending and planning. The government wants MARTA to turn over information on its strategies to combat crime and fare evasion, according to a letter sent to the transit agency Thursday.

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

The Federal Transit Administration, which falls under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has ultimate oversight over MARTA and other transit agencies throughout the country.

The federal agency will be looking at whether there are systemic conditions endangering the safety of MARTA riders or employees. The agency launched a similar inquiry of Charlotte’s public transit agency in North Carolina last year following the killing of Iryna Zarutska.

MARTA police Chief Scott Kreher has said violent crime on the system is down 50% since 2019.

MARTA spokesperson Stephany Fisher said the agency has made “significant investments in personnel, technology, and operational measures,” adding that they “support safety and security across our entire system.”