The tragic killing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on Charlotte's light rail has sparked intense criticism toward Mayor Vi Lyles. Zarutska was fatally stabbed in late August, just after seeking refuge in the United States from war in Ukraine. The suspect, Decarlos Brown, 29, attacked without provocation or known motive. Mayor Lyles' response, focusing on mental health issues, has been met with considerable backlash for not prioritizing public safety.
The incident occurred when Brown, seated behind Zarutska, produced a knife and stabbed her multiple times. Surveillance footage from the Charlotte Area Transit System, although not widely distributed out of respect for Zarutska's family, documents the brutal assault. After the attack, Brown was seen leaving the scene with the weapon still bloody.
In her initial statement, Mayor Lyles did not mention Zarutska by name and instead highlighted the suspect's mental health and homelessness, asserting that the city cannot "arrest our way out of issues" like these. She compared mental health diseases to physical ailments, such as cancer or heart disease, calling for compassion and commitment in their treatment. She also defended the public transportation system's safety record, despite the incident.
The surveillance video's release prompted a subsequent statement from Lyles, thanking those who refrained from sharing the footage. She acknowledged the senseless nature of the crime and extended her prayers to Zarutska's family. Furthermore, Lyles expressed her commitment to public safety and her determination to ensure Charlotte is a safe place for all.
However, details of Brown's criminal history have emerged, revealing a pattern of felonies dating back to 2011, including armed robbery for which he served a five-year sentence. Prior to the stabbing, he had been arrested for assaulting his sister and abusing the 911 system.
Zarutska's family launched a GoFundMe campaign, noting her recent arrival in the U.S. seeking safety and a fresh start, only to face a cruel and untimely death. The community's response to the mayor's handling of the situation has been polarized, with some calling her a "piece of shit" and extending the criticism to her supporters.
