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Donald Trump got one huge detail about Iryna Zarutska's murder wrong during State of the Union speech
President Donald Trump got a major detail wrong about Iryna Zarutska’s murder during his State of the Union speech.
Zarutska’s mother, Anna Zarutska, attended the State of the Union as an unannounced guest of the president at the U.S. Capitol.
The 79-year-old described Iryna as a 'beautiful young woman,' and recounted the brutal attack in detail.
“Last summer, 23-year-old Iryna was riding home on the train when a deranged monster, who had been arrested over a dozen times and was released through no cash bail, stood up and viciously slashed a knife through her neck and body," he said.
He added: “No one will ever forget, the people on that train.
"No one will ever forget the expression of terror on Iryna’s face as she looked up at her attacker in the last seconds of her life. She died instantly."
Anna broke down in tears as the president continued to speak, leaning into comfort from a man at her side.
Erika Kirk, the widow of the Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, was seated beside her and appeared to offer words of condolence.
“She had escaped a brutal war only to be slain by a hardened criminal, set free to kill in America," Trump continued.
He then turned directly to Anna and said: “Mrs. Zarutska, tonight I promise you that we will ensure justice for your magnificent daughter, Iryna."
The Key Detail Trump Got Wrong
During the address, Trump claimed that DeCarlos Brown, the man who is accused of murdering Iryna, 'came in through open borders'.
However, reporting from The Charlotte Observer stated that the 34-year-old was born in Charlotte, per his Facebook page.
His mother told the outlet he graduated from West Mecklenburg High School and worked at a local Subway.
She also revealed that her son suffered from schizophrenia and was reportedly failed by the system as she and her husband tried to get him mental health treatment, but were allegedly turned away.
Brown was charged with violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death, and he could face the death penalty if convicted.
After surveillance video of the stabbing was made public, the horrific killing quickly became a national story.
In October, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein ratified 'Iryna’s Law,' which included an amendment that could allow the state to resume capital punishment, including by firing squad, per The New York Post.