SC gubernatorial candidate Ralph Norman calls for Charlotte mayor’s resignation over light rail tragedy

ROCK HILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — South Carolina Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ralph Norman is calling for the resignation of Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles following the fatal stabbing of a young woman on the city’s light rail system.

The victim, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, was killed in what authorities said was an unprovoked attack by a homeless man, Decarlos Brown, on the evening of August 22.

The violent incident, captured on surveillance video, has sparked national outrage and led to federal and state investigations into transit safety in Charlotte.

Norman, whose district includes parts of northern South Carolina where many residents commute to Charlotte for work, was blunt in his criticism of the mayor’s leadership.

“We don’t need more ‘compassion’ for sick and twisted criminals. They need jail sentences. And this one needs the death penalty,” Norman said on social media. “Mayor Lyles should resign. Her statements of concern for this assailant make her unfit to lead a major city.”

Norman also warned South Carolinians about traveling to Charlotte, saying the city is unsafe under its current leadership.

“South Carolinians should beware traveling to Charlotte while Mayor Lyles remains in office,” added Norman.

Charlotte officials, including the city’s transit department, have since announced increased security efforts, including 186 security officers, some of whom are armed. Still, the fatal stabbing has led to broader conversations about crime, homelessness, mental illness, and public safety.

Federal officials, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, are also investigating the city’s handling of the incident and its public safety policies.

Mayor Lyles has not publicly responded to Norman’s calls for resignation as of yet. Local and national leaders remain divided over how to balance compassion for vulnerable populations with public safety measures.

Norman’s comments come as he campaigns for governor of South Carolina, positioning himself as tough on crime and critical of what he describes as lenient or ineffective urban policies in neighboring states. Brown remains in the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond.

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