Duffy warns Chicago, Boston transit systems could risk federal support amid rising violence

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Friday that Chicago and Boston are at risk of losing federal support unless local leaders swiftly take steps to improve safety on their transit systems. 

In a Friday news release, Duffy condemned what he described as the two cities’ "failure" to protect riders and transit workers, citing a string of violent incidents on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) — two of the nation’s largest transit systems. 

Among them were the assault of a 27-year CTA veteran who was punched and thrown onto the tracks, an elderly woman shoved off an MBTA bus, and a case in which a man used his belt to assault passengers, as noted in the Department of Transportation's news release. 

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"President Trump cares about our great cities and the hardworking Americans who inhabit them," Duffy said in a statement. "While local leaders seem intent on putting the needs of criminals first, we’re not waiting for the next Iryna. Chicago and Boston are on notice to take actions that enhance safety and reduce the crime affecting their riders and transit workers – or risk federal support. This is about standing up for American families who deserve a safe and clean transportation system."

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy testifies during a hearing before the House Appropriations Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on May 14, in Washington, D.C.  (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

In formal letters to CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, Duffy directed both agencies to submit written reports within 14 days detailing what steps have been taken to curb crime, stop fare evasion and improve cleanliness. 

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The reports must also summarize funding sources for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 related to safety and security, including any funds from federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security.

Duffy also criticized both cities’ cashless bail policies, which he said allow "deranged criminals to repeatedly terrorize public space."

MBTA Transit Police released photos of the suspect wanted in connection with an attack on a Boston public bus that left an elderly woman injured on Sept. 8. The woman was taken into custody on Sept. 17, following authorities asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect. (MBTA Transit Police)

Following the incident of the elderly woman who was shoved off of a Massachusetts bus and violently slammed to the ground, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said Thursday that safety is the agency’s top priority and stressed that such conduct would not be tolerated. He also reminded riders they can report concerns anonymously at any time through the See Say app.

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"Safety will always be at the forefront of everything we do, and I’m proud of the prompt response and investigation by the MBTA Transit Police that led to the arrest of this individual," Eng said in a statement. "The public deserves a safe transportation system, and I want them to know that this conduct will not be tolerated anywhere on our system."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks alongside a photo of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was allegedly killed by Decarlos Brown Jr. (R), on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, during a press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, September 9, 2025.  (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

The letters are the latest in Duffy’s push for transit agencies to curb fare evasion and improve safety. Earlier this year, he issued similar warnings to transit systems in Washington, New York, and Los Angeles, as noted in the news release.

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Last month, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally attacked on a North Carolina light-rail train — a case that sparked national outrage. 

The CTA and MBTA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.