Federal Charges Filed in Charlotte Train Stabbing of Ukrainian Refugee

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Federal prosecutors on Tuesday charged 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. with causing death on a mass transportation system for fatally stabbing 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska aboard a Charlotte Lynx Blue Line train on August 22.

The rare federal indictment underscores mounting concerns over transit safety in Charlotte and marks a significant escalation in efforts to hold violent offenders accountable on public transportation.

Incident and Charges

  • On the evening of August 22, Zarutska boarded the Blue Line at East/West Boulevard Station and, according to the FBI complaint, was stabbed three times from behind without provocation.
  • Brown was arrested at the same station, initially charged with first-degree murder by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.
  • The Department of Justice added a federal count under the Federal Transit Act, which carries life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.

Victim Background

Iryna Zarutska fled Ukraine’s conflict with Russia in 2022 and settled in Charlotte with her family. A gifted artist pursuing life in America, she worked at a local pizzeria and dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant.

Official Responses

Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed to seek the maximum penalty, labeling the attack an “unforgivable act of violence” against an innocent immigrant. FBI Director Kash Patel described the stabbing as a “disgraceful act,” emphasizing the bureau’s swift involvement.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a formal review of Charlotte’s transit safety protocols and warned that federal funding could be at risk if deficiencies are found.

City’s Safety Measures

  • Mayor Vi Lyles ordered increased CATS security patrols on platforms and additional officers aboard trains “effective immediately”.
  • Charlotte Area Transit System will deploy bike units and urban terrain vehicles to bolster passenger protection over the coming weeks.

Community Reaction

Local leaders and residents expressed outrage over the apparently random attack on a public commute. Governor Josh Stein called for more officers “on the beat,” while advocates urged expanded mental health interventions to prevent similar tragedies.

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