Series of Public Transit Attacks in U.S. Prompts Safety Concerns
In Atlanta, a 66-year-old great-grandmother, Margaret Swan, was fatally stabbed in an unprovoked attack on a train, resulting in federal charges against John Elijah Matthews. Swan’s daughter voiced deep grief and demanded answers about transit security measures. Bruce Levell, a former MARTA operations chairman, pointed out safety issues on one of the country’s busiest transit systems. These concerns are accentuated by the challenges posed by homeless individuals using trains as shelter.
Recent violent incidents on public transit systems in major U.S. cities have heightened fear among commuters and ignited debate over how effectively the justice system handles repeat offenders. The incidents have ignited calls for stronger action to enhance residents’ protection.
MARTA Incident
In Atlanta, another transit-related crime saw Anthony Tyrone Gresham, a 42-year-old felon, accused of opening fire at MARTA’s Midtown station. This event occurred on June 5, wounding a 17-year-old victim. Federal prosecutors charged Gresham with committing an act of violence with intent to cause injury on a mass transportation system, among other charges. Authorities described Gresham’s actions as approaching a train car where the teenager was seated and firing a handgun multiple times. The victim suffered injuries to the hand and leg. Law enforcement apprehended Gresham two days later following an extensive search.
Penn Station Attack
In New York City, Hector Deleon, aged 51, was accused of executing a violent stabbing spree inside Penn Station’s New Jersey Transit concourse on June 7. The random act led to five people being injured, with one sustaining serious injuries. Deleon has faced previous arrests, including a 2022 incident involving an attack on a man.
A victim of the attack, Henry Obadiah, criticized policies perceived as lenient on crime after his experience. He described encountering the assailant and suffering severe injuries during the attack.
Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line Stabbing
Another incident occurred on Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line, where 35-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. was charged with the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee. The attack took place on August 22, 2025. Brown, possessing a history of violent crimes and diagnosed with schizophrenia, was later found incompetent to stand trial.
Federal prosecutors aim to ensure justice for Zarutska and her family. Brown could face the death penalty if found competent and convicted, but trial proceedings remain paused due to his current incompetence status. He remains in federal custody under the direction of the U.S. attorney general.