Daijiworld Media Network- Charlotte

Charlotte, Sep 9: The murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a North Carolina train last month has sparked nationwide concern over crime and public safety.

A video released by the Charlotte area transit system shows Zarutska seated on a train when she is stabbed from behind multiple times in what appears to be a random attack. The suspect, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr, has been charged with first-degree murder. The graphic footage has circulated widely on social media, drawing reactions from influencers, commentators, and politicians.

Charlotte Mayor called the killing ‘a tragic failure by the courts and magistrates’ and pledged to deploy more officers to public transit sites. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said he was “appalled” and urged the state legislature to pass a law enforcement package to address vacancies and strengthen public safety.

President Donald Trump sent “love and hope” to Zarutska’s family, describing the killing as “horrible” and warning, “There are evil people. We have to be able to handle that. If we don’t handle that, we don’t have a country.” Trump has also linked the incident to his threats of crime crackdowns in Democrat-run cities.

Zarutska, who fled Ukraine with her family in 2022, was described in her obituary as a “gifted and passionate artist” who loved animals and cherished her family. Her family wrote, “Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.”

Republicans and right-wing commentators have questioned why Brown, who reportedly had an extensive criminal record, was free at the time of the attack, highlighting concerns over the judicial system and public safety.