ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — On Sunday, the community came together to honor Margaret Sams-Swan, who police said died after being stabbed at the Oakland City MARTA station.
There are growing calls for increased safety on MARTA trains, buses, and at stations in honor of Sams-Swan and others who have been injured or killed while riding MARTA or visiting its stations.
“Let’s start with our own community. Let’s stop the violence in our own community. Let’s protect our women and children,” said one community member at the candlelight vigil for Margaret Sams-Swan.
Dozens of community members gathered at Oakland City Station on Sunday for a vigil and rally calling for a safer MARTA system and an end to violence. Police said 25-year-old John Elijah Matthews allegedly fatally stabbed 66-year-old Margaret Sams-Swan at the station.
“But we can’t be silenced right now. Ms. Margaret fought. Can you imagine?” said another community member at the vigil.
“Words will never explain what that felt like,” said Shanae Sams, daughter of Margaret Sams-Swan. “But we think of all the good memories. My mom was a sweet person. She helped anybody she could. She had a heart of gold.”
Recent violent attacks on MARTA have sparked fierce criticism. Sams said she would like to see officers assigned to every train car.
“They should walk between the cars to make sure everything is safe,” Sams said.
“Yes, way more security,” added Wynecia Patterson, who frequently rode MARTA and regularly saw Sams-Swan.
Patterson said she often encountered Sams-Swan while riding MARTA, especially at the Oakland City station.
“She was so sweet. She didn’t do anything to anybody. She didn’t deserve this,” Patterson said. “It hurts me to know it was one of our elderly women. But to know it was someone I dearly loved, talked to, and had conversations with — someone who helped me with my own problems sometimes — it crushed me. I’m not okay.”
In preparation for FIFA matches beginning June 15 in Atlanta, MARTA said it is adding up to 150 officers, including transit officers from Denver. MARTA also said officers will work extended shifts on match days.
Patterson said additional long-term measures are needed and suggested installing metal detectors at fare gates.
“Instead of trying to build new trains and get new MARTA cards, they need to be putting safety measures in place,” Patterson said. “They should spend their money wisely instead of spending it on things that don’t really matter.”
The calls for action come as MARTA faces a federal investigation into its spending and safety protocols. While several people said they welcome the inquiry, they are also urging individuals to change their behavior.
“Y’all just stop the violence, please. It’s enough,” Patterson said. “We’re tired of getting phone calls saying our family members are dying — our aunts, our uncles, our sisters, our brothers. We’re tired of all these random tragedies happening.”
The first World Cup match in Atlanta is scheduled for June 15.
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