What started as a typical evening commute on Charlotte’s light rail system quickly turned tragic, shaking the community to its core. On August 22, 2025, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally attacked aboard a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) train.
Authorities confirmed that 27-year-old Decarlos Brown was arrested at the East/West Boulevard Station and charged with first-degree murder. Brown, who had a history of prior offenses and mental health issues, was permanently banned from all CATS services following the incident. The attack has sparked intense discussions about public safety, preventive measures, and the need to protect vulnerable populations.
A City in Mourning
The release of surveillance footage capturing the attack provoked widespread grief and outrage throughout Charlotte and beyond. City officials, including Mayor Vi Lyles, offered condolences to the Zarutska family and commended local media and citizens for choosing not to share the graphic videos, calling it a compassionate and respectful decision.
National leaders also responded. President Donald Trump denounced the killing as a “senseless tragedy,” expressing his condolences and support for Iryna’s family.