In a social media post on 10/9, former President Donald Trump stated, "This animal who savagely murdered a beautiful young woman from Ukraine, who came to our Country to seek peace & safety, must be put to trial quickly (no doubt!) and get the DEATH PENALTY. No other option!!!"
Trump had previously referred to the suspect as a "maniac" and urged authorities to crack down on such crimes, warning that "we will lose our Country" otherwise.
 |
Decarlos Brown Jr. (left) and Iryna Zarutska. Photo: Newsweek |
Decarlos Brown Jr. (left) and Iryna Zarutska. Photo: Newsweek
The suspect, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., was arrested on 22/8 after the death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, on 9/9, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina charged Brown with committing an act of violence against a mass transportation system resulting in death, a crime punishable by death.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said, "This brutal attack on an innocent woman is an attack on our way of life. Of course, these crimes impact the victim the most. Iryna deserves justice, and we will deliver that justice for her and her family.”
Officials reported no apparent interaction between Brown and Zarutska before the stabbing on the evening of 22/8 on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ferguson described the incident as an "act of terrorism.”
The moment Zarutska was attacked on the light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina. Video: CATS
Zarutska's family expressed their "unspeakable grief" and called for "greater societal attention to the growing crisis of public safety and the failure of systems across the board.”
Brown has a criminal record, including a five-year prison sentence for armed robbery in 2014, along with convictions for breaking and entering and other violent offenses. After his release in 2020, he was arrested again multiple times for communicating threats, assaulting his sister, and misusing 911. In 1/2025, he was released without bail on the condition he appear in court.
The killing has sparked debate about public safety and justice in Charlotte. Critics have targeted city officials, particularly Mayor Vi Lyles, after she called for "compassion" for the suspect, who had previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) confirmed no security personnel were present on the train during the attack. A spokesperson stated that security teams "patrol the entire system; they’re not stationed in any one particular area.” Lyles said the city is increasing security on trains.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced an investigation into the city for "failing to protect Iryna Zarutska.” On 8/9, he posted on social media, "If mayors can't keep their train and bus systems safe, they don't deserve taxpayer dollars.”
At a press conference on 10/9, North Carolina Republicans called the attack "entirely preventable" and a "wake-up call" for Charlotte.
Vu Hoang (According to ABC News, AFP, Reuters)
