In Atlanta, the tragic murder of a 66-year-old great-grandmother, Margaret Swan, on a train has prompted federal charges against John Elijah Matthews. Her daughter’s grief underscores urgent questions about transit security. As Bruce Levell, former MARTA operations chairman, highlights, safety concerns on this busy transit system are increasing.
Recent violent incidents in major U.S. cities have reignited fears among commuters. These events also raise concerns about the justice system’s handling of repeat offenders.
MARTA Incident – Anthony Tyrone Gresham
Anthony Tyrone Gresham, 42, with a history of felony convictions, is charged with shooting at a MARTA station in Atlanta. The incident left a 17-year-old injured. On June 5, Gresham allegedly approached the victim on a train, pulled a handgun, and fired three shots. The teenager sustained injuries to his hand and leg and was hospitalized. Gresham fled the scene but was captured two days later.
Federal authorities have charged Gresham with violence intended to cause serious injury on mass transit. He’s also facing federal charges for possessing ammunition as a felon and using a firearm in a crime of violence.
The attack followed another fatal incident on the MARTA system involving Margaret Swan. In this case, John Elijah Matthews, a homeless man, faces federal and local charges of murder and violence with a dangerous weapon.
Penn Station Violence – Hector Deleon
On June 7, Hector Deleon, 51, carried out a stabbing spree at Penn Station’s New Jersey Transit concourse in New York City. The attack, occurring shortly after 7 p.m., injured five people, one seriously. Deleon, with at least seven prior arrests, including a 2022 slashing case, has been a long-standing concern.
Victim Henry Obadiah criticized lenient policies after the attack. In an interview, he described being unexpectedly attacked, resulting in severe facial injuries.
Charlotte Light Rail Attack – Decarlos Brown Jr.
In Charlotte, Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, is accused of killing Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, on the Lynx Blue Line on August 22, 2025. Brown allegedly stabbed her from behind while on the train. Federal charges against Brown include committing violence on mass transit leading to death.
Brown’s criminal history includes assaults and robberies, alongside a schizophrenia diagnosis. Recently, he was ruled incompetent to stand trial for the federal case after a mental evaluation. This judgment followed a similar ruling in a state case. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson confirmed Brown remains in federal custody, stressing justice for Zarutska’s family is a priority.
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