President Donald Trump has called for the death penalty for Decarlos Brown Jr., accused of killing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte. Here’s the full story.
Table of Contents
Trump Calls for Death Penalty in Charlotte Murder Case
Washington, D.C. — September 10, 2025
President Donald Trump has called for the death penalty for Decarlos Brown Jr., the suspect accused of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In a fiery post on Truth Social Wednesday, Trump described the suspect as an “ANIMAL,” demanding a “quick trial” and insisting that the only acceptable punishment would be “THE DEATH PENALTY.”
What Happened in Charlotte
The incident took place on August 22, when Iryna Zarutska was attacked on a Charlotte light rail train in what authorities describe as an unprovoked stabbing.
According to investigators, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, has a lengthy criminal record and is now facing multiple charges, including:
- Federal charges for committing an act causing a death on a mass transportation system — eligible for the death penalty
- First-degree murder under North Carolina state law
Trump’s Response and Political Implications
President Trump has used the case to highlight his administration’s tough-on-crime stance and to criticize Democratic policies in major cities.
“We need to protect our citizens. This ANIMAL deserves a quick trial and THE DEATH PENALTY,”
— Trump posted on Truth Social.
Trump has repeatedly argued that lenient policies in Democrat-led cities have enabled repeat offenders to commit violent crimes. The administration is now pushing for harsher federal punishments and more control over local law enforcement.
Federal Charges and Capital Punishment
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice formally charged Brown with causing death on a mass transportation system, a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of death.
This comes as Trump has repeatedly advocated for reinstating the death penalty for violent offenders. In a recent announcement, he confirmed plans to seek capital punishment for anyone accused of murder in Washington, D.C., where he recently deployed federal troops and took control of the city’s police department.
Bigger Picture: Crime, Politics & Public Reaction
The Charlotte murder case has sparked a nationwide political debate over public safety, immigration, and crime laws.
- Conservatives argue that rising crime rates demand stricter punishments
- Progressives point to data showing that overall U.S. crime rates have recently declined
“The Trump administration has intensified its stance, portraying several major U.S. cities as struggling with rising crime and homelessness, while advocating for increased federal involvement to address the issue.”
Final Thoughts
The tragic killing of Iryna Zarutska has intensified political tensions around crime control and capital punishment in the U.S. As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will remain on Trump’s administration, which is pushing aggressively for federal-level death penalties in high-profile cases.
