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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Following the August 22 stabbing on Charlotte’s Blue Line that ended in the death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI are announcing a plan for federal enforcement in connection to the incident.
On Tuesday, the Justice Department charged Decarlos Brown Jr. with causing a death on a mass transportation system, which carries up to life in prison or the death penalty.
“Iryna Zarutska was a young woman living the American dream — her horrific murder is a direct
result of failed soft-on-crime policies that put criminals before innocent people,” said Attorney
General Pamela Bondi. “I have directed my attorneys to federally prosecute DeCarlos Brown Jr., a
repeat violent offender with a history of violent crime, for murder. We will seek the maximum
penalty for this unforgivable act of violence, he will never again see the light of day as a free
man.”
The case has also sparked debate over whether cities such as Charlotte are adequately addressing violent crime, mental illness, and transit safety.
“This brutal attack on an innocent woman simply trying to get to her destination is an attack on the American way of life,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Of course, crimes like this affect the
victim the most—Iryna deserves justice, and we will bring justice to her and her family. But
crimes like this also affect everyone who relies on mass transportation to get to and from work and go about their daily lives, and federal charges are necessary to protect the public and ensure
confidence in our transportation systems.”
National and Local Attention
The tragic act has gained national attention and has even reached the White House. Trump addressed the incident on Monday, calling Zarutska’s alleged attacker a “lunatic” and “madman.”
“It’s so horrible,” Trump said. “Just viciously stabbed, she’s just sitting there. So there are evil people; we have to be able to handle that. If we don’t handle that, we don’t have a country.”
Other state leaders have also called for an investigation into the city’s handling of the tragic incident and its public safety policies.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the department will investigate the city “over its failure to protect Iryna Zarutska.”
“I stand firm with President Trump’s message of zero tolerance for criminality, especially on our federal DOT-funded public transportation,” Duffy said. “If mayors can’t keep their trains and buses safe, they don’t deserve the taxpayers’ money.”
NC Senator Woodson Bradley, who represents Mecklenburg County, agrees that “the safety measures of Charlotte’s public transit must also be evaluated and amended,” and that we should “invest in solutions to prevent crime and ensure local police have the proper resources to perform their duties.”
In addition, Congressman Tim Moore (R-14) announced that he’s introducing legislation to prevent any state or local government from receiving federal funds if they have a policy that prohibits cash bail for all offenders, known as the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act.
Republican lawmakers are also calling for the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes. Officials say Stokes had released Brown, a repeat offender, in January with a written promise to appear in court, despite his criminal history, which included at least 14 prior arrests for offenses such as possession of a firearm by a felon, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and physical assault.
Tuesday’s letter, sent to Chief District Court Judge Roy Wiggins, claims Judge Stokes showed a “willful failure” to perform her duties by releasing Brown on a written promise to appear. It also calls for a review of Stokes’ prior bond rulings.
Magistrate judges in North Carolina are appointed, not elected, and are responsible for early-stage decisions, like setting bond. Unlike higher-level judges, authorities stated that they aren’t required to hold law degrees. Critics said that this case highlights a serious flaw in the system.
Across the border, South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Ralph Norman is calling for the resignation of Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.
“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.
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