January 1, Charlotte Train Attack Shakes Trust in Safety

Wyatt’s Take

• A young Ukrainian refugee was killed in a knife attack on a Charlotte train.
• Locals are questioning if public transit is truly safe, despite police claims of lower crime.
• The suspect, Decarlos Brown, has a history of violent crime but was out of prison.

Last month, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old refugee from Ukraine, was stabbed to death while riding a Charlotte Area Transit System train. Her attack happened in broad daylight, leaving riders unsettled and fearful about their own safety while commuting.

One woman said,

“I didn’t know if he had gotten away or what happened, but it kind of made me wary about getting on the train after that.”

Another commuter added,

“Female safety is a big concern everywhere, and now it’s even more so an extra concern popping on the train.”

Police in Charlotte reported a drop in homicides this year. Deputy Chief Ryan Butler praised their officers for “reducing violent crime.” But the shocking footage of Zarutska being attacked by a man in a red hoodie has made many question if enough is being done.

The suspect, Decarlos Brown, is charged with first-degree murder. Records show Brown has a lengthy criminal past, including convictions for robbery and breaking and entering, yet was released from prison only a few years ago. Due to this, some residents think falling crime numbers don’t match their daily experiences with threats.

Public officials face criticism over their response. Some call for more police on transit, others say leaders are dodging blame. The debate is far from over, as many riders are now nervous about taking the train, especially after dark.

If safe streets matter to you, keep a close eye on how local leaders answer for these crimes and protect your community.

Wyatt Matters

This tragedy hits home for folks who just want to get to work or school without fearing for their lives. Families in the heartland understand that safety and accountability aren’t too much to ask from our elected officials or our justice system.

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