Murder of Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska Sparks Concern over Justice, Safety, and Accountability
President Donald Trump criticized Democrat-led cities in addition to concerns about the criminal justice system following the brutal murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed while on a commuter train near Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22.
In a video posted to social media by the White House, Trump addressed the case as he showed photos of Zarustka, including one where her killer, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr, is about to stab her while she was sitting in front of him.
"We cannot allow a depraved criminal element of violent, repeat offenders to continue spreading destruction and death," Trump said.
"It's time to stop this madness. The people of our country need to insist on protection, safety, LAW & ORDER," the President said.
Brown, who remains in custody, has had a criminal record for over a decade, including being arrested 14 times in the past 11 years and serving 5 years for armed robbery, CBN News reported. Additionally, he was under an order for psychiatric monitoring after being diagnosed as schizophrenic.
Brown faces first-degree murder charges by North Carolina prosecutors and could be eligible for the death penalty after the U.S. Justice Department charged him with causing death on a mass transportation system.
President Donald J. Trump denounces senseless crime in Democrat-run cities & the horrific murder of a young woman in Charlotte by a deranged criminal monster.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 9, 2025
"It's time to stop this madness. The people of our country need to insist on protection, safety, LAW & ORDER." pic.twitter.com/eUD5KuTufC
Trump himself also called for the death penalty for Brown, arguing that there is "no other option."
"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!!!" the President wrote on his Truth Social platform Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Charlotte urged lawmakers to pass legislation hiring more police.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 09.10.25 08:44 AM EST
— Fan Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) September 10, 2025
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…
Friends of Zarutska's family organized a GoFundMe for her family, raising close to $240,000 out of its $280,000 goal as of Wednesday.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ Right: Kevin Dietsch/Staff Left: SAUL LOEB/Contributor
Originally published September 10, 2025.
