The murder of Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, has caused significant public outcry. The resonance was fueled by video footage of the crime committed by homeless man DeCarlos Brown Jr., who had a history of mental illness and previous arrests. Social media widely discussed the tragedy, while major US media initially gave it little coverage.
The incident occurred on August 22, 2025, in a subway car. Iryna did not provoke the attack in any way; the assailant, previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, had a long criminal history. The attack lasted about 15 seconds. Iryna died on the spot, and the attacker was detained at the next station.
The investigation revealed serious systemic failures: months before the incident, Brown had been arrested for a psychotic episode but was released without bail and never underwent psychiatric evaluation as ordered by a judge.
Public attention increased after the video spread on social networks and prominent figures commented, including former President Donald Trump. Major media outlets were accused of selectively ignoring the news, intensifying existing political conflict. Republicans criticized Democrats for ignoring a crime against a white refugee, while Democrats focused on issues of social and racial policy.
The case was quickly compared to the murder of George Floyd, which received extensive media coverage, while Zarutska's case only became widely discussed after Trump’s statement. Reaction followed from local and federal officials; Trump blamed Democrats for failing to ensure safety, and lawmakers introduced reform bills regarding judicial responsibility and bail conditions.
Zarutska’s tragedy has become a symbol of broader issues: failures in mental health care, justice system shortcomings, media objectivity controversies, and deepening political strife in the US.
