Atlanta City Council addresses recent MARTA attacks
Atlanta leaders demand answers from MARTA chief after attacks
The federal government has launched an investigation into MARTA transit safety as local leaders demand answers following a series of violent crimes that shook the transit network just days before the FIFA World Cup.
ATLANTA - The federal government launched an investigation into MARTA transit safety just days before hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive in Atlanta for the FIFA World Cup. Local leaders are demanding answers after a series of violent crimes shook the transit network.
What we know:
Atlanta City Council members directly questioned the police chief during a public safety meeting on Monday afternoon.
Public Safety Chair Andrea Boone pressed Police Chief Darin Schierbaum about a string of recent violent attacks that have sparked deep local concern and triggered a federal investigation.
The U.S. transportation secretary ordered the safety probe just days before 300,000 to 500,000 global visitors converge on the city for the FIFA World Cup.
Schierbaum defended the city's response, stating that the partnership between the Atlanta Police Department and MARTA remains strong.
MARTA officials insisted the upcoming soccer matches will be secure and noted they are actively boosting police presence.
Transit officials are relying on a network of 12,000 surveillance cameras across the city to prevent and solve crimes. Additionally, 25 transit officers traveling from Denver will arrive this Friday to assist local law enforcement.
What we don't know:
Officials have commented on two stabbings, one fatal, and a shooting that triggered the federal investigation. It also remains unclear how long the U.S. Department of Transportation probe will take or what specific security measures the incoming Denver transit officers will implement when they arrive on Friday.
Previous stories
- Midtown MARTA station shooter arrested in Douglasville, police say
- MARTA police continue search for Midtown Atlanta train shooter
- Man hospitalized in 'targeted' shooting at Midtown MARTA station in Atlanta
- Atlanta MARTA probe: Feds demand transit crime data after stabbings
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from an Atlanta City Council public safety meeting, municipal leaders, and law enforcement officials.