Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed in Charlotte light rail attack

Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed in an unprovoked attack aboard a Charlotte light rail train on August 22, 2025 in North Carolina.

The 23-year-old, who fled Ukraine in 2022 to escape Russia’s invasion, was killed while riding home from work at a local pizzeria.

Viral surveillance footage shows suspect Decarlos Brown, 34, pulling a knife and stabbing Zarutska without prior interaction.

Brown, who was homeless and had a documented history of mental illness has been charged with first-degree murder.

Court records reveal multiple prior convictions including armed robbery, with family members describing his long-standing schizophrenia and paranoia.

The case has become a political flashpoint, with the Trump administration criticizing local Democratic leadership and threatening to cut federal transit funding.

Zarutska attended Rowan Cabarrus Community College from 2023 to 2025, which paid tribute to the late alumna, expressed: "We are heartbroken to hear about the death of one of our former students, Iryna Zarutska, whose life was taken in this tragic event."

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles initially focused her response on mental health system failures before later condemning judicial releases of repeat offenders.

The city has since increased security on public transit despite overall violent crime decreasing 25% in early 2025.