Trump news today. Iran peace talks, anti-weaponization fund, primaries
President Trump told CNBC that he was not concerned about the collapse of Iran peace talks. The Justice Department could withdraw “anti-weaponization” funds, and these primaries will be held today.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into MARTA (Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority) following two recent stabbings on its network.
An investigation has been announced after a 66-year-old woman was stabbed to death in what appeared to be an unprovoked random attack while waiting for a MARTA train in the city. A 40-year-old man was stabbed multiple times in an attack that stemmed from an argument at a MARTA station a week ago, federal authorities said.
“All Americans should be shaken by the horrific crimes we witnessed at MARTA last month,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a June 4 statement. “No one should have to worry about their safety just because they choose to take public transportation.”
What is the Trump administration investigating?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the rate of “personal safety incidents” involving assaults, robberies, assaults and other safety violations against MARTA employees and passengers is twice the national average.
The agency said the review would “examine the transit agency’s security spending, safety protocols and risks to passengers and workers” as the city prepares to welcome thousands of tourists for the World Cup in just two weeks.
“The[Federal Transportation Administration’s]investigation will determine whether systemic conditions exist that put Atlanta’s public transit and transit workers at risk,” the department said.
MARTA officials will have 15 days to provide a detailed report on crime and fare evasion mitigation, security and safety funding, historical crime trends, annual budgets, and other safety compliance information.
At the same time, FTA will conduct an independent evaluation of MARTA’s safety risk mitigation program and examine FTA’s implementation of the General Directive on Mandatory Measures on Assaults on Transportation Workers starting in 2024.
“From our nation’s capital to Chicago, we’ve made significant progress in holding systems accountable and increasing security for transit workers and riders,” Duffy said. “President Trump has made it clear that American families deserve better, and we are making that happen in Georgia.”
Investigation begins over great-grandmother’s death
The Trump administration announced an investigation into the death of her great-grandmother, 66-year-old Atlanta resident Margaret Swan.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, Swann was traveling from the Lakewood MARTA Station to the Oakland City Station on May 30 when she was sitting near the train door with a man standing next to her.
The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a folding knife and stabbed Swann at least 20 times in the neck and chest as he tried to defend himself. Other passengers also ran for help, but later confirmed to law enforcement that the man had no contact with Swann before the attack.
The man was arrested at the Oakland City Station and identified as John Elijah Matthews, 25, of Decatur. The suspect was charged with “committing an act of violence with a dangerous weapon with intent to cause death on public transportation,” which is a felony. The U.S. attorney general will decide at a later date whether Georgia will seek the death penalty.
MARTA addresses safety concerns
Swann’s death comes less than a week after a 40-year-old man was attacked at Georgia Tech’s MARTA station.
On May 24, a man was stabbed repeatedly by another man wearing black pants, a flannel-style shirt, and a black baseball cap. The victim was taken to the hospital with injuries, but is expected to survive. MARTA officials issued a warning to be vigilant, although the identity of the attacker has not yet been determined. It is not yet clear whether the assailant and victim interacted with each other before the stabbing.
The World Cup begins on June 11th, with the first leg to be played in Atlanta on June 15th, but MARTA has been forced to answer questions about passenger safety as recent attacks appear to be unexplained.
MARTA Interim General Manager Jonathan Hunt and MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher told Fox 5 that the World Cup safety plan includes 12,000 surveillance cameras, more uniformed and undercover officers, and real-time monitoring from a crime center.
MARTA staffing will also be increased to help manage large crowds on train platforms, and the MARTA Hope program, which helps passengers experiencing mental health crises, substance abuse and homelessness, will be expanded.
Other law enforcement agencies, from Atlanta police to FBI agents, will also be stationed throughout the city during the World Cup.
Eileen Wright is an Atlanta Connect reporter for USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. X Find her at @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
