"The animal who brutally murdered this young, beautiful woman from Ukraine, who came to America in search of peace and safety, must face swift trial (no doubt about it!) and the only acceptable sentence is the death penalty. There is no other option!!!" President Donald Trump wrote on social media on September 10.
Previously, Trump referred to the suspect as a "lunatic" and urged U.S. authorities to take a hard stance against such criminals, warning that failing to do so could result in the loss of the nation. The suspect, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., was arrested on August 22 after stabbing 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska to death. According to the U.S. Department of Justice on September 9, the U.S. Attorney's Office in North Carolina has charged Brown with committing murder on public transit, carrying the potential for the death penalty.
"This brutal attack on an innocent woman is an attack on the American way of life. Of course, crimes like this impact the victims the most. Iryna deserves justice, and we will bring that justice to her and her family," said federal prosecutor Russ Ferguson.
Officials confirmed there was no prior interaction between Brown and Zarutska before the stabbing, which occurred on the evening of August 22 on a subway in Charlotte, North Carolina. Prosecutor Ferguson described the act as "terrorism."
Zarutska’s family expressed their "unspeakable pain" and called for greater attention to the growing public safety crisis and the failures of the entire system.
Brown, who has a lengthy criminal record, including a 5-year prison sentence for armed robbery in 2014, has been incarcerated for various offenses such as illegal entry and violent behavior. After his release in 2020, Brown was repeatedly arrested for threatening others, assaulting his sister, and misusing the 911 emergency line. In January 2025, Brown was released without bail on the condition he attend a court hearing.
The murder of Zarutska has sparked debate over public safety and the judicial system in Charlotte. Many have criticized city officials, particularly Mayor Vi Lyles, after she called for "compassion" toward the suspect, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) confirmed there were no security personnel on board the train at the time of the attack. A spokesperson stated that security patrols the entire system, but does not station staff at fixed locations. Mayor Lyles noted that the city is increasing security on trains.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced that an investigation is underway regarding the city's failure to protect Iryna Zarutska. "If mayors cannot ensure safety on train and bus systems, they do not deserve the taxpayers' money," he wrote on social media on September 8.
At a press conference on September 10, North Carolina Republicans stated that the attack "was entirely preventable" and that it should serve as a "wake-up call" for the city.
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