Former President Donald Trump condemned Democrats following the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Zarutska was randomly attacked on a light rail train by 34-year-old Decarlos Brown, a man with a lengthy criminal history, including 14 arrests and recent release under cashless bail. Surveillance footage showed Brown stabbing her multiple times, including in the neck.

Trump reacted strongly on his Truth Social account, calling the suspect a “mentally deranged lunatic” and saying Democrats are to blame for policies that keep violent offenders on the streets. “The blood of this innocent woman… is on the hands of the Democrats,” he wrote, also targeting former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, who is running for U.S. Senate in 2026. Trump endorsed Republican Michael Whatley, saying only Republicans can restore “law and order.”

Brown was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Police confirmed he did not know Zarutska and described the attack as random. His criminal history includes charges such as felony larceny, robbery, and threats.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee echoed Trump’s remarks, accusing Cooper of enabling crime through lenient policies. Whatley followed up with his own post, blaming Cooper for “unleashing predators” like Brown.

Cooper’s campaign responded, calling the attack a “despicable act of evil” and highlighted Cooper’s past work as a prosecutor, arguing that he has a record of keeping violent criminals off the streets.

The tragedy has become a flashpoint in North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race.