The killing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a North Carolina train last month has intensified debate over crime and public safety in the United States.
Surveillance footage released Friday by the Charlotte Area Transit System shows Zarutska seated on the train when she is suddenly attacked from behind and stabbed multiple times. Authorities have charged 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. with first-degree murder. The disturbing video has been widely shared on social media, drawing responses from influencers, politicians, and public officials.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles condemned the attack as “a tragic failure by the courts and magistrates,” promising to increase the police presence across public transit hubs.
President Donald Trump also weighed in, offering condolences to Zarutska’s family and calling the killing “horrible.” Speaking Monday, he said: “There are evil people. We have to be able to handle that. If we don’t handle that, we don’t have a country.” His comments come as he pushes for tougher crime measures in cities led by Democrats.
In an obituary, Zarutska’s relatives said she fled Ukraine with her mother and siblings in 2022 and had quickly embraced her new life in America. They described her as a talented artist who loved animals and was happiest surrounded by family. “Her absence leaves a deep void,” the family wrote, “but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said he was “appalled” by the footage and urged lawmakers to pass a package to fill law enforcement vacancies. “We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe,” he wrote on X.
Critics have questioned why Brown was free despite a history of serious offenses, including convictions for armed robbery, felony larceny, and breaking and entering. Records show he served eight years in prison and, according to media reports, struggles with homelessness and mental illness. His mother told local TV station WSOC-TV she believed the tragedy could have been avoided.
Republican lawmakers have used the case to criticize the judicial system. North Carolina Representative Brenden Jones claimed Democratic prosecutors and sheriffs had put “woke agendas above public safety,” while Florida Congressman Randy Fine vowed to introduce legislation holding judges accountable when repeat offenders commit new crimes.
Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather, while declining to comment directly on the case, told Axios that courts face significant hurdles when defendants have mental health issues, as many must remain hospitalized until they are considered fit to stand trial.
Mayor Lyles emphasized the need for systemic solutions to prevent repeat offenders from returning to the streets without consequences or treatment.
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