N.C. officials address safety concerns after fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Matt Lavietes September 10, 2025 at 10:43 PM 17 North Carolina officials addressed transit safety concerns on Wednesday in the wake of the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on the city's public transit system.
- - N.C. officials address safety concerns after fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee
Matt Lavietes September 10, 2025 at 10:43 PM
17
North Carolina officials addressed transit safety concerns on Wednesday in the wake of the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on the city's public transit system.
Iryna Zarutska, 23, was killed on a Charlotte Area Transit System train in North Carolina last month. Her fatal stabbing has generated national outrage in recent days after footage of the killing was released, and the suspect in connection with her killing was identified as having a history of violent crimes.
Some local lawmakers on Wednesday said the killing called for expanding Charlotte's police force, mental health services, and staff at the district attorney's office. Others blamed Democratic policies and "woke narratives," and called for overhauling the state's criminal justice system.
"Let's be very clear, crime is a choice, and Democrats have chosen to side with criminals," Jason Simmons, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, said at a press conference. "Their policies of appeasement, they're weak on crime policies, they're open door and revolving door policies in our criminal justice system and jails have allowed murderers back on the streets, time and time again."
Speaking at a press conference at the Charlotte Transit Station, Charlotte Councilman Malcolm Graham, a Democrat, appeared to suggest that Democratic politicians bore some of the blame.
"Let me be clear. We also must close the revolving door for repeat offenders," he said. "Too many of the crimes that disrupt our neighborhoods and transit system are committed by individuals who cycle through the system over and over and over again."
Graham added that "there's no choice but to meet this moment with clarity of purpose by increase, by addressing root causes, omitting our shortcomings where they exist, and listening to community voices and acting swiftly to regain public confidence."
Zarutska recently came to the United States to escape her country's invasion by Russia, according to her family.
Security footage of Zarutska's killing shows her being abruptly stabbed in the neck by a passenger seated behind her without any provocation. Seconds later, without receiving help or any visible concern from other train passengers, Zarutska collapsed to the train floor, where she was later pronounced dead.
Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, was charged with committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system in connection with the stabbing of Zarutska.
Brown has a criminal history spanning over a decade, including felony breaking and entering and robbery with a dangerous weapon, according to court records.
His criminal record has drawn ire from some federal officials, who say he should not have been out on the streets.
"This tragedy was preventable," Rep. Tim Moore, R-N.C., wrote on X. "There must be accountability. North Carolinians deserve better."
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller blamed Zarutska's death on the Democratic Party, accusing politicians and judges — who are typically apolitical figures — of being too lenient on prosecuting criminals.
During a White House press briefing on Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed the media.
"Perhaps most shamefully of all, the majority of media — many outlets in this room — decided that her murder was not worth reporting on originally, because it does not fit a preferred narrative," Leavitt said.
Brown would face life in prison without parole or the death sentence if convicted of his charges.
Lauren O. Newton, a lawyer for Zarutska's family, said in a statement that the 23-year-old recently moved in with her partner and was taking classes to improve her English. She described Zarutska as "kind and hardworking" and deeply loved by family and close friends.
"Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way," Newton said.
Source: "AOL AOL General News"
Source: CR MAG
Full Article on Source: CR MAG
#ShowBiz #Sports #Celebrities #Lifestyle