President Donald Trump has responded to the fatal stabbing of a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee woman who was attacked late last month on a light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Taking to his Truth Social, Trump on Monday wrote in part that he had “seen the horrific video” and now “blood is on the hands of the Democrats.”
When asked about the killing on Sunday, Trump said he hadn’t heard about it, adding that it was “horrible” and that he would “know all about it by tomorrow morning.”
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via email sent outside regular business hours.
Why It Matters
The killing comes as Trump has threatened to deploy the National Guard to several major Democratic-run cities in what the administration classifies as a crackdown on crime. Last week, the president said he was ready to order federal authorities to combat crime in Chicago and Baltimore, despite opposition from elected leaders and many residents in both cities. The mayor of Charlotte is a Democrat.
Trump’s threats have come amid the scandal involving the investigation of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and a series of bleak economic statistics. The release of the Charlotte video could make it harder for Democrats pushing back on Trump’s mobilization of National Guard troops and other public-safety tactics to continue doing so without appearing soft on crime.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
What To Know
Police said Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed while traveling on the light rail August 22, but video footage showing the moments leading up to the incident was released on Friday.
Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The attack occurred on the Lynx Blue Line near the Camden Road area in Charlotte’s South End shortly before 10 p.m.
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) released the video showing Zarutska seated as she was repeatedly stabbed from behind. She was pronounced dead at the scene, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) said.
Brown Jr. was arrested shortly afterward. He was transported to the hospital for treatment due to a hand injury, then transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Zarutska, 23, had come to the United States from Ukraine in 2023 to escape the Russia-Ukraine war that began when Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded the neighboring Eastern European country in February 2022.
The release of the footage has intensified scrutiny of safety on Charlotte’s transit system.
Brent Cagle, interim CEO of CATS, said the department and police have increased patrols and personnel along the Blue Line since the stabbing, according to The Charlotte Observer.
Cagle also pointed to measures taken before the slaying, including creation of a position, chief safety and security officer. CATS also increased spending on security this year and is working on upgrading surveillance cameras.
On Truth Social Monday, Trump wrote: “I have seen the horrific video of a beautiful, young Ukrainian refugee, who came to America to escape the vicious War in Ukraine, and was innocently riding the Metro in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she was brutally ambushed by a mentally deranged lunatic.
“The perpetrator was a well known career criminal, who had been previously arrested and released on CASHLESS BAIL in January, a total of 14 TIMES. What the hell was he doing riding the train, and walking the streets? Criminals like this need to be LOCKED UP. The blood of this innocent woman can literally be seen dripping from the killer’s knife, and now her blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to put bad people in jail, including Former Disgraced Governor and ‘Wannabe Senator’ Roy Cooper.”
“North Carolina, and every State, needs LAW AND ORDER, and only Republicans will deliver it! Additionally, where is the outrage from the Mainstream Media on this horrible tragedy? VOTE FOR MICHAEL WHATLEY FOR UNITED STATES SENATE, HE WON’T LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN!”
What People Are Saying
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, a Democrat, on X Saturday: “The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public. I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Iryna’s family. This was a senseless and tragic loss. My prayers remain with her loved ones as they continue to grieve through an unimaginable time.
“Like so many of you, I’m heartbroken—and I’ve been thinking hard about what safety really looks like in our city. I remain committed to doing all we can to protect our residents and ensure Charlotte is a place where everyone feels safe.”
Charlotte City Council Member Edwin Peacock III, a Republican, on X August 30: “A week ago, 23-year-old #IrynaZarutska was brutally killed on Charlotte’s light rail. Her death is a tragedy we cannot ignore. Who’s riding without paying? Are they the ones causing problems? We need answers.”
Conservative journalist Nick Sortor, on X: “After the Charlotte mayor refused to condemn the attacker, the city may need federal intervention.”
What Happens Next?
It was not immediately clear when Brown Jr. is scheduled to appear in court. Jail records show he is being held without bond.
Cagle said CATS will propose a mutual aid agreement between the agency and CMPD to boost officer presence on buses and trains, at a City Council meeting September 22.
Update 9/8/25, 11:58 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with further information.
