President Donald Trump has called for the death penalty for Decarlos Brown Jr., the man accused of murdering Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in a brutal stabbing on a train.
Zarutska was tragically killed on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22, 2025.
Just four minutes after taking a seat and while scrolling through her phone, the 23-year-old was struck from behind by Brown Jr, who stabbed her three times in the neck and hands with a pocket knife.
Surveillance footage of the attack has been released by police and shows the suspect sitting behind the young woman for several minutes before rising, lunging at her, and committing the horrific act.
The video then captures him walking through the train carriage with a knife dripping with her blood.
In the wake of her death, Trump has demanded the death penalty for Brown, who was arrested shortly after the killing, on his social media platform, Truth Social.
"The ANIMAL who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a 'Quick' (there is no doubt!) Trial, and only awarded THE DEATH PENALTY. There can be no other option!!!" he wrote.
Trump also said Zarutska's “blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to put bad people in jail," and specifically blamed former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, now a Senate candidate in North Carolina, saying state policies allowed violent offenders to remain free.
According to The Independent, he added: “North Carolina, and every State, needs LAW AND ORDER, and only Republicans will deliver it! Additionally, where is the outrage from the Mainstream Media on this horrible tragedy? VOTE FOR MICHAEL WHATLEY FOR UNITED STATES SENATE, HE WON’T LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN!”
Brown, who has a lengthy criminal record, was released from prison in 2020 after serving over six years for a robbery conviction.
Despite his struggles with schizophrenia, he was freed under lenient conditions, which some believe contributed to the tragedy.
He has been charged with first-degree murder, and federal charges were added due to the attack occurring on a mass transportation system, which could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Zarutska had come to the US from Ukraine with her mother, sister, and brother in search of a better life, fleeing the war in her home country.
She had quickly embraced her new life, becoming fluent in English and working at Zepeddie’s pizzeria to support herself.
Described by her family as a "gifted and passionate artist," Iryna dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant, caring for animals and designing unique clothing.
Her loved ones, devastated by the loss, have paid tribute to her creativity and love for animals.
"She shared her creativity generously, gifting family and friends with her artwork,” they wrote in her obituary, per ABC 11.
“Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her."
Her colleagues at Zepeddie’s pizzeria have also expressed their grief, calling her not just an incredible employee, but a true friend.
“Our dear Iryna left this world far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief,” the restaurant said.
Our thoughts continue to be with Zarutska's loved ones.