Ukrainian Refugee Killed in US Train Stabbing

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who fled the war was fatally stabbed in what police called a random attack on a Charlotte light rail train, the New York Post reported.

Iryna Zarutska, who worked at a local

pizzeria, boarded the Lynx Blue Line on August 22 still in her uniform. Surveillance footage shows her scrolling on her phone moments before 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., a homeless ex-convict, allegedly attacked her with a folding knife.

Police said Zarutska was stabbed three times, at least once in the neck. Video shows her clutching her throat before collapsing in her seat. She died on board.

This heartbreaking video shows the tragic moment Iryna Zarutska was stabbed to death on a Charlotte train. We must prioritize safety and support for refugees. Reopen asylum programs to prevent more tragedies. #Charlotte #Refugees #GunViolence #PublicSafety pic.twitter.com/6mWZL4qHFQ

— ceanpolitics (@ceanglobal) September 6, 2025

Brown, whose criminal record dates back to 2011, exited at the next stop, where a knife was recovered. He was later

arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Court records show past convictions for robbery and threats, as well as a January arrest for misusing 911.

The stabbing happened even though security guards were on another car of the train. Police arrived within six minutes. The killing has reignited concerns about safety on Charlotte’s transit system. Officials said they have tripled the safety budget, upgraded cameras, and will consider adding more police patrols later this month.

The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public. I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Iryna’s family.

This was a senseless and tragic loss. My prayers…

— Mayor Vi Lyles (@CLTMayor) September 6, 2025

Zarutska’s family

has raised more than $38,000 through a GoFundMe page. “She had recently arrived in the United States, seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning. Tragically, her life was cut short far too soon,” the fundraiser read.

Police are still investigating the motive.