President Trump is calling for the suspect in the brutal North Carolina train stabbing to be "awarded THE DEATH PENALTY" as Americans call for the killer to face a swift and severe punishment.
Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, 23, was randomly and repeatedly stabbed to death on a Charlotte light rail on August 22. A 34-year-old repeat offender, DeCarlos Brown Jr., has been charged with the murder.
Many Americans are simply fed up with soft-on-crime policies after this unprovoked attack, which was captured on harrowing video for the world to see - and Trump is sending a strong message that the killer should pay the ultimate price.
"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," Trump posted on Truth Social. "There can be no other option!"
The murder unfolded four and a half minutes after Zarutska boarded the train and sat in front of Brown, who is black.
She had no interaction with Brown before he suddenly pulled out a pocketknife and stabbed her three times in cold blood.
The murder has brought fresh scrutiny to soft-on-crime policies that allow repeat offenders to roam, with Brown's own family members saying he should not have been free.
Local magistrate Teresa Stokes let him go on cashless bail months before the attack, despite 14 prior arrests and convictions for crimes like robbery with a dangerous weapon, larceny and breaking and entering.
The shocking depravity of Zarutska's murder, and the suspect's lengthy criminal history, have led many to say capital punishment is in order.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has pledged to “seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable crime” and ensure the suspect “will never again see the light of day as a free man.”
The Justice Department has charged Brown with an act causing death on a mass transportation system, which could lead to the death penalty.
North Carolina has the death penalty, but because of legal challenges it has been effectively dormant for years.
Zarutska's family said Tuesday that they are "heartbroken beyond words" and they are "calling attention to a broader crisis in public safety and systemic failure."
"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," the family said.
