Trump demands death penalty for Iryna Zarutska's killer

In August 2025, a tragic event unfolded in Charlotte, North Carolina, when Decarlos Brown Jr. fatally stabbed Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on a light rail train. Zarutska had recently moved to the United States in search of peace. The attack occurred minutes after she boarded the train, as Brown struck her three times with a knife, which he had pulled from his pocket. Witnesses immediately alerted officials, leading to his arrest shortly after the incident. Tragically, Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene of the crime, igniting outrage over public safety and crime in the area. Following the attack, President Donald Trump expressed his outrage, demanding that Brown be given the death penalty for his heinous act. Trump labeled Brown an "ANIMAL" in a social media post while emphasizing the need for serious consequences for such violent crimes. The Justice Department noted that Brown was eligible for the death penalty due to the nature of the crime, which occurred on a mass transportation system. Attorney General Pam Bondi pointed out that Brown had a troubled history, with 14 past charges, including serious offenses like assault and armed robbery. Iryna's family released a statement expressing their heartache over the loss of their beloved daughter and emphasized the need for a broader discussion on public safety and the systemic failures that led to such violence. They vividly described Zarutska as a kind and hardworking woman who came to America with hopes of safety. Her tragic death has sparked conversations around crime prevention and public safety policies in Charlotte and beyond, especially as local Republicans called the incident a "wake-up call." Additionally, a candlelight vigil is planned in honor of Zarutska to commemorate her life, as the community seeks to heal from this senseless act of violence. It has become evident that potential changes in public safety policies and law enforcement approaches may be necessary to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.