In a shocking incident that has captured national attention, former President Donald Trump is calling for the death penalty for the suspect charged in the brutal stabbing of a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman, Iryna Zarutska, on a light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina. In a statement shared via social media, Trump referred to the suspect as an “ANIMAL” and emphasized the need for a swift trial, advocating for the ultimate punishment to be imposed. "There can be no other option!!!" he declared.
The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, was arrested on August 22 after fatally stabbing Zarutska, who had recently moved to the United States in search of peace and safety. The U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of North Carolina has charged Brown with committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system, a charge that may qualify him for the death penalty, as confirmed by the Department of Justice.
This horrific attack on Zarutska, who was simply trying to reach her destination, has been described as a direct assault on the American way of life. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson stated, “Iryna deserves justice, and we will bring justice to her and her family.” Officials have reported that there was no previous interaction between Brown and Zarutska before the unprovoked stabbing, which Ferguson characterized as a terroristic act.
Zarutska's family has expressed their profound grief, stating they are "heartbroken beyond words." They also highlighted a broader crisis concerning public safety and systemic failures. “Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way,” her family lamented. The family’s attorney detailed that Zarutska had been living in a bomb shelter in Ukraine before her arrival in the U.S. and was killed while riding the Lynx Blue Line train after finishing her shift at a local pizzeria.
According to an affidavit obtained by ABC News, Zarutska had just texted her boyfriend to inform him she would be home soon when the attack occurred. After boarding the train, she sat in an aisle seat in front of Brown, who was wearing an orange sweatshirt. The affidavit details that Brown pulled out a knife, paused, and then struck Zarutska three times in a matter of moments. Tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene, with a witness assisting officials in locating the suspect.
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) confirmed that there was no security present on the train during the attack. A spokesperson noted that while a security team patrols the system, they are not stationed in specific areas. In response to the incident, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announced an immediate increase in security on the commuter trains, as the release of the attack video has spurred outrage among local officials.
In a related statement, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the city’s failure to ensure safety on public transport. "If mayors can't keep their trains and buses safe, they don't deserve the taxpayers' money," he asserted in a post on X.
Decarlos Brown has a significant criminal record, which includes charges of larceny and breaking and entering. He spent five years in prison for robbery with a dangerous weapon beginning in 2015 and has a total of 14 prior charges. Despite his extensive record, Brown was free at the time of the attack, raising serious questions about public safety measures.
Brown is scheduled for his next court appearance on September 19, although it remains unclear if he has legal representation. The victim's family is demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Iryna's tragic death, emphasizing that "this could have been anyone riding the light rail that night." Their commitment to preventing such incidents in the future is evident, as they continue to seek justice for their beloved Iryna.
Described by her family as kind and hardworking, Iryna Zarutska will be laid to rest in the United States, despite outreach from the Ukrainian Embassy. “No, she loved America, we will bury her here,” they stated, highlighting the deep bond she formed with her new home.
