Trump Calls for Death Penalty for Man Who Stabbed Ukrainian Woman to Death on Charlotte Train
President Donald Trump is advocating for the death penalty for Decarlos Brown Jr., the man who allegedly stabbed Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska to death on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, in late August 2025.
The brutal murder has sparked outrage across the nation, with President Trump and others calling for swift and severe justice for the crime.
The Tragic Incident
The fatal stabbing occurred on the evening of August 22, 2025, when Zarutska, 23, was riding the subway in Charlotte. Authorities report that there was no apparent interaction between Zarutska and Brown before the attack.
The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, allegedly approached Zarutska and fatally stabbed her without warning. The horrifying incident took place on a subway train, and a video of the attack quickly circulated, showing the senseless and violent nature of the crime.
Trump’s Response and Advocacy for the Death Penalty
In the wake of the tragedy, President Trump took to social media on September 10, calling for the death penalty for Brown.
“The beast who brutally murdered a beautiful young woman from Ukraine who came to America seeking peace and safety must be brought to trial swiftly (without a doubt!) and he can only receive the death penalty. There is no other option!!!” Trump wrote.
The President also referred to Brown as a “madman” and warned that such crimes, if not met with strong legal consequences, could lead to the loss of American values and public safety.
Trump’s remarks reflect a growing sense of outrage at the increasing violence in public spaces, which has fueled debate about the need for stricter justice in the country.
The Crime and Investigation
After the stabbing, Brown was arrested on August 22, 2025, and charged with homicide on public transportation, a crime that carries the possibility of the death penalty.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s North Carolina office revealed that Brown’s actions were considered an “act of terrorism,” a label that has intensified the public outcry over the murder.
Federal prosecutor Russ Ferguson expressed the severity of the crime, stating, “A brutal attack on an innocent woman is an attack on the very American way of life. Naturally, crimes like this affect the victims the most. Iryna deserves justice, and we will bring justice to her and her family.”
Background on the Suspect
Brown, who has a long criminal record, had served five years in prison for armed robbery in 2014, as well as for illegal entry and various violent acts.
After his release in 2020, Brown continued to display violent tendencies, with subsequent arrests for threatening others and assaulting his sister.
Despite his criminal background, Brown was released on bail in January 2025 after facing charges for improper use of 911 and assaulting his sister. This release without bail has drawn criticism, with many questioning how someone with such a violent history was allowed to roam free.
The Response from Zarutska’s Family and Community
Zarutska’s family expressed their immense grief and frustration after the tragedy. They called the murder a senseless act and demanded better safety measures in public spaces.
In a statement, the family said they were “speechless with pain” and called on society to address the growing crisis of public safety.
The murder has also prompted public debates about the need for more effective crime prevention and intervention. Some have pointed out that the attack could have been prevented if there were more robust security measures in place on public transportation.
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), which operates the city’s subway system, confirmed that no security personnel were on board the train at the time of the attack.
A spokesperson for CATS said that security personnel patrol the system but are not stationed in fixed areas, a policy that has been criticized in the aftermath of Zarutska’s murder.
Mayor Vi Lyles of Charlotte, who has faced backlash over the incident, has pledged to increase security measures on the city’s trains in response to the attack.
Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability
In the wake of the murder, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched an investigation into the city’s failure to protect Zarutska.
Duffy expressed his outrage on social media, writing, “If mayors cannot keep people safe on trains and buses, they are not worthy of taxpayers’ money.”
His statement reflects the frustration felt by many who believe that local governments are not doing enough to address public safety.
Additionally, Republican lawmakers in North Carolina have used the attack as a wake-up call for the city, emphasizing that the crime was “completely preventable.”
The debate over how best to prevent such incidents from happening in the future has intensified, with calls for more surveillance, greater police presence, and better security measures on public transportation.
The Ongoing Legal Case
As the case against Brown progresses, he has been charged with murder and personal use of a firearm causing death.
If convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty, depending on the outcome of his trial.
Zarutska’s family has continued to push for justice, urging the court to consider the full extent of Brown’s actions and the devastation caused by his senseless violence.
The case has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle to address violence in public spaces and the need for stronger legal protections for individuals.
Many are watching closely to see how the justice system handles the case and whether Brown will be held fully accountable for his actions.
A Larger Conversation on Public Safety
This incident has prompted larger conversations about public safety, gun violence, and the protection of individuals in public spaces.
Many advocates for stronger gun control laws are using the case as an example of how easy access to firearms can lead to tragic outcomes.
The attack on Zarutska has reignited discussions about how to balance public safety and individual rights, with some calling for more stringent background checks and restrictions on gun ownership.
At the same time, the case highlights the critical need for effective law enforcement and security in public places.
Whether or not stricter security measures could have prevented the attack remains a topic of debate, but the incident has underscored the importance of ensuring that public spaces are safe for all people.
A Call for Justice and Change
The brutal murder of Iryna Zarutska has brought issues of public safety, gun violence, and justice to the forefront of political discussions.
President Trump’s call for the death penalty reflects the emotional and political weight of the case, while the ongoing investigations and public debates underscore the urgency of addressing safety concerns in public transportation and other shared spaces.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the family of Iryna Zarutska continues to seek justice for the young woman whose life was tragically cut short.
They, along with many others, are hoping that this case will bring about meaningful changes in both policy and public perception regarding crime prevention and the protection of individuals from harm.
