Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Sep 9: US president Donald Trump on Monday condemned the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska aboard a Charlotte, North Carolina, light rail train on August 22. Trump and his allies have linked the killing to his plans to expand crime crackdowns in Democratic-run cities.
Speaking at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, Trump said, “When you have horrible killings, you have to take horrible actions,” referring specifically to Chicago, where he has threatened to deploy federal agents and national guard troops. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker rejected Trump’s characterization of the city as crime-ridden.
Zarutska, who went by Ira, came to the United States three years ago with her family seeking safety from Russia’s war in Ukraine. She was described as a “gifted and passionate artist,” with a degree in art and restoration from a Kyiv college, and had dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant.
The suspect, Decarlos Brown, 34, has been charged with first-degree murder and ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation at a local hospital for at least 60 days. Brown has a long criminal history, including armed robbery, and a recent arrest in January for misuse of 911, for which he was ordered to undergo mental health screening.
Trump and his allies criticized Charlotte’s Democratic leaders, arguing Brown should have been incarcerated. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “By failing to properly punish him, Charlotte failed Iryna Zarutska and North Carolinians.” Senior White House adviser Stephen Miller also criticized Democrats’ policies as “pro-criminal.”
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles expressed heartbreak over the incident, stating, “I remain committed to doing all we can to protect our residents and ensure Charlotte is a place where everyone feels safe.”
According to the Charlotte Police Department, violent crime declined 25% during the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year.