The murder of a Ukrainian refugee on a train in North Carolina has ignited a political debate over crime policies in the United States. Iryna Zarutska, 23, was fatally stabbed by Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, an ex-convict, in an unprovoked attack on August 22. A video of the incident was released by the transit authority and has circulated widely on social media.

According to an FBI affidavit, surveillance footage from the Charlotte Area Transit System shows Zarutska boarding the train around 9:45 p.m. She sat near the back, in front of Brown, who was wearing an orange hooded sweater. About four minutes later, while Zarutska was scrolling on her phone with AirPods in her ears, Brown pulled out a knife and stabbed her in the neck three times from behind. The affidavit notes that blood was seen dripping onto the floor as Brown walked away from the scene.

Extended footage reveals that after the stabbing, Zarutska appeared confused and did not immediately realize the severity of her injuries. Bystanders also seemed unaware of the situation, and no one rushed to help her.

Former President Donald Trump criticized both Brown and the Democratic leadership in North Carolina. He stated, "The blood of this innocent woman can literally be seen dripping from the killer’s knife, and now her blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to put bad people in jail." He specifically mentioned former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who is currently campaigning for a state Senate seat. Trump emphasized the need for law and order, asserting that only Republicans could provide it.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed these sentiments, attributing Zarutska's death to "failed soft-on-crime policies." She vowed that Brown, described as a repeat violent offender, would face federal charges. "We will seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable act of violence — he will never again see the light of day as a free man," Bondi stated.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency acted quickly to ensure Brown would not be released. Police found Zarutska dead in the train car, surrounded by blood. They arrested Brown on a nearby platform and recovered the knife believed to be the murder weapon.

Brown faces federal charges for causing death on a mass transportation system and first-degree murder at the state level. In North Carolina, a conviction for first-degree murder can lead to a life sentence or death by lethal injection, although the latter has not been carried out since 2006 due to a moratorium. As of September 10, there are 122 offenders on the state's death row.

Brown has a lengthy criminal record with 14 cases, including a five-year sentence for robbery with a dangerous weapon. Other offenses include breaking and entering, speeding, and shoplifting. He was charged in January for misuse of 911 but was released on a promise to attend his next court date.

Trump questioned how Brown was allowed to be on the streets, labeling him a "mentally deranged lunatic." A GoFundMe campaign for Zarutska's family has raised over $235,000, surpassing its $280,000 goal. Zarutska had recently arrived in the U.S. seeking safety from the war in Ukraine and was working part-time at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria while attending college to improve her English.

The pizzeria expressed their grief on social media, stating, "We lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend. Our dear Iryna left this world far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief." They have kept a candle burning in her memory, honoring the warmth and kindness she brought to their lives.