CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — After a fatal stabbing on the Charlotte light rail claimed the life of a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, state and federal authorities are joining forces to secure justice for the victim and revise policies related to crime.
On the night of Aug. 22, Iryna Zarutska was randomly attacked on a Blue Line train by a homeless man, Decarlos Brown.
Footage from the light rail captures Brown’s presence as Zarutska took a seat in front of him. Although the two did not exchange words, Brown unexpectedly stood up after four and a half minutes and fatally stabbed Zarutska three times.
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The tragic act has gained national attention and has even reached the White House.
Trump addressed the incident on Monday, calling Zarutska’s alleged attacker Declaros Brown a “lunatic” and “madman.”
“It’s truly awful,” Trump remarked. “She was brutally stabbed while just sitting there. We must find ways to deal with such evil. Without addressing this, we lose our nation.”
Investigating the fatal stabbing
Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for North Carolina’s Western District, stated on Monday that his team is “exploring every legal avenue to ensure justice for Iryna Zarutska,” while also aiming to restore public trust in the safety of transit systems.
In response to the event, leaders in Charlotte and transit authorities have taken steps to alleviate public anxiety surrounding public transportation safety.
Recently, Charlotte Area Transit System representatives informed the Metropolitan Transit Commission that, since December, they have adopted a new policing strategy, employing 186 security personnel, both armed and unarmed.
Much of the meetings focused on fare enforcement as CATS believes that Brown did not pay before boarding the light rail the night of the murder.
Outside of Charlotte, state and federal officials are looking at ways to bring justice to Zarutska.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the department will investigate the city “over its failure to protect Iryna Zarutska.”
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“I stand firm with President Trump’s message of zero tolerance for criminality, especially on our federal DOT-funded public transportation,” Duffy said. “If mayors can’t keep their trains and buses safe, they don’t deserve the taxpayers’ money.”
In addition, Congressman Tim Moore (R-14) announced that he’s introducing legislation to prevent any state or local government from receiving federal funds if they have a policy that prohibits cash bail for all offenders, known as the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act.
“Iryna Zaruska should still be alive — her blood is on the hands of every single person who made it possible for this monster to walk free,” said Moore. “That’s why I’m co-leading the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act to cut off federal funds to any state or city that refuses to detain violent offenders. If leaders willingly refuse to do their job to lock up dangerous criminals, they shouldn’t get a dime of federal support.”
