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New footage shows the moment a Ukrainian refugee looked at her attacker in terror as bystanders failed to rush to her aid.
Iryna Zarutska, 23, had only been on a North Carolina train for minutes when Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, allegedly lunged at her with a pocket knife and stabbed her on August 22.
Zarutska could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed on a North Carolina train by Decarlos Brown Jr. on August 22.
- Brown, a homeless man with schizophrenia and a long criminal history, was charged with first-degree murder and federal charges.
- Video footage shows Zarutska terrified and alone after the attack while bystanders fail to immediately aid her.
- Political figures, including Donald Trump, criticized the justice system for releasing repeat offenders on bail.
Decarlos Brown Jr. was charged with the murder of Iryna Zarutska
Image credits: X
Brown has been charged with first-degree murder and is facing a federal charge of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.
Footage released of the incident now shows the aftermath of the attack, and Zarutska can be seen slouching down in her seat in fear while holding her hands over her face.
A man, alleged to be Brown, then walks away as Zarutska continues to cry. The clip, 15 seconds long, does not show anyone coming to her aid.
One passenger leaves straight after Brown, and four others sitting near Zarutska remain in their seats.
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO
I didn’t expect to see this part of the video of Iryna Zarutska before she died. No one helped her. They just let her suffer and die, terrified and alone. This is not okay. https://t.co/JhpfWa4Vyp
— Shane Connor 🇺🇲 (@ShaneConnor) September 9, 2025
It is understood that a longer clip shows bystanders rushing to her aid after realizing the gravity of the situation.
Brown, a homeless career criminal who reportedly suffered from schizophrenia, was taken to hospital for a minor wound and later arrested.
Reports soon emerged of his extensive criminal history, sparking outrage from Republicans who accused Democrats of being too soft on crime.
WCNC reported that Brown has 14 previous court cases in Mecklenburg County and in 2015 was sentenced to six years imprisonment for robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, and larceny.
Image credits: X
The outlet said he also faced a case of alleged 911 misuse in July. His attorney had filed a motion to have his competency assessed.
U.S. President Donald Trump was one of those to comment on the tragedy.
“I have seen the horrific video of a beautiful, young Ukrainian refugee, who came to America to escape the vicious War in Ukraine, and was innocently riding the Metro in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she was brutally ambushed by a mentally deranged lunatic,” he posted on Truth Social.
“The perpetrator was a well known career criminal, who had been previously arrested and released on CASHLESS BAIL in January, a total of 14 TIMES. What the hell was he doing riding the train, and walking the streets? Criminals like this need to be LOCKED UP.”
Republicans accused Democrats of being soft on crime
Image credits: Donald J Trump
“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, including Former Disgraced Governor and ‘Wannabe Senator’ Roy Cooper. North Carolina, and every State, needs LAW AND ORDER, and only Republicans will deliver it!” he added.
Trump and several Republicans accused the mainstream media of ignoring the story.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that Zarutska’s murder was a “direct result” of soft crime policies that “put criminals before innocent people.”
Image credits: James Funeral Home
“I have directed my attorneys to federally prosecute DeCarlos Brown Jr., a repeat violent offender with a history of violent crime, for murder. We will seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable crime, and he will never again see the light of day as a free man,” Bondi added.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement: “This is the first step toward delivering justice for Iryna and her family — as well as the millions of Americans who deserve to live in our great American cities free from being targeted by violent criminals.”
The Democratic Mayor of North Carolina, Vi Lyles, said the incident was a “tragic failure by the courts and magistrates.”
“Our police officers arrest people only to have them quickly released, which undermines our ability to protect our community and ensure safety,” Lyles said.
Image credits: Facebook
She called for a bipartisan effort to tackle repeat offenders and those who aren’t receiving treatment for mental illnesses.
Zarutska fled the war in Ukraine with her family in 2022 and moved to the U.S. for a safer life.
She was described as a “gifted and passionate artist” who had a degree in art and restoration from Synergy College in Kyiv.
Her family says she had a “deep love for animals” and hoped to become a veterinary assistant one day.
“Though she enjoyed adventures, sightseeing, and exploring new places with her close friends, Iryna was also a homebody at heart, happiest when surrounded by family and loved ones,” Zarutska’s family wrote in her obituary.
Zarutska had a degree in art and restoration and hoped to pursue a veterinary career
Image credits: James Funeral Home
“Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met. Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her,” they added.
In a statement to WSOC-9, issued through lawyers, the family added: “We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way.
“No family should have to go through this.”
They further said Brown should be locked up and prosecutors should address the “broader crisis in public safety and systemic failure.”
Image credits: Mecklenburg Sheriff
Since his arrest, Brown’s relatives have spoken out to say they feel the tragic incident could have been prevented.
Brown’s half-brother, Jeremiah, told the New York Post: “I think they could have pretty much prevented it then,” referring to Brown being released from jail in January.
“He could do it again. They should still treat him for his mental issues, but there are consequences for his actions,” Jeremiah added. “I think he should suffer the consequences.”
Brown’s sister, Tracey, told CNN that their mother had tried to have him placed in a long-term facility to deal with his mental health but couldn’t as she was not his guardian.
Image credits: James Funeral Home
Tracey told the outlet that Brown had attacked her in 2022 and told her on numerous occasions that the government had implanted a chip in him.
“A person that is hearing voices in their head and believes the world is against them, they’re going to break,” she said. “And I think that night he broke.”
If Brown is convicted, he could face the death penalty.
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It's abominable that someone who already had to flee a war was victimized in such a way in her place of "refuge." Alas, all too many criminally insane people are just shunted out onto the streets because society can't be asked to get them the mental institutionalization that they need, nor even pay for their upkeep in prison. The results are as foregone as they are horrifying. And of course the same society can't be bothered even to intervene when one of these beyond-damaged individuals moves to victimize someone, as the risks are high and the rewards slim. I couldn't bring myself to watch the video.
It's abominable that someone who already had to flee a war was victimized in such a way in her place of "refuge." Alas, all too many criminally insane people are just shunted out onto the streets because society can't be asked to get them the mental institutionalization that they need, nor even pay for their upkeep in prison. The results are as foregone as they are horrifying. And of course the same society can't be bothered even to intervene when one of these beyond-damaged individuals moves to victimize someone, as the risks are high and the rewards slim. I couldn't bring myself to watch the video.
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