Former President Donald Trump has called for the death penalty for the suspect accused of murdering Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was tragically stabbed during a random attack on a train. The incident occurred on August 22, and the suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., was arrested shortly after the stabbing.
Trump’s Response
Trump expressed his opinion on the case in a post on Truth Social, saying: “The ANIMAL who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a ‘Quick’ (there is no doubt!) trial, and only awarded THE DEATH PENALTY. There can be no other option!!!”
Zarutska, who had fled war-torn Ukraine with her family in search of safety, was fatally stabbed without warning while riding a CATS Blue Line train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Video footage of the tragic incident revealed that Zarutska and Brown had no prior interaction before the attack.
The Attack and Arrest
According to the footage, Zarutska boarded the train wearing headphones and sat near Brown, who had his hand over his face. Moments later, Brown pulled something from his pocket and walked to the other end of the train. Witnesses reported seeing him remove his hoodie after the stabbing, and passengers rushed to help Zarutska, but she was later pronounced dead.
Brown was arrested shortly after the incident, and on September 8, he was charged with first-degree murder and causing death on a mass transportation system, which could potentially lead to the death penalty.
The Prosecutor’s Statement
Attorney General Pam Bondi has vowed to seek the maximum penalty for Brown, stating: “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.” She added, “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.”
Community and Official Reactions
In response to the tragedy, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles expressed her condolences, stating: “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.”
Mayor Lyles also addressed the broader issue of safety, saying, “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.”
A Call for Justice
As the case unfolds, the Zarutska family continues to mourn the loss of their loved one, while the city of Charlotte grapples with the impact of this senseless crime. Authorities are committed to pursuing justice, with the possibility of the death penalty still looming for the accused.
Featured Image Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
