Mainstream Media Completely Exposed by Refusal to Cover Murder of Ukrainian Refugee [WATCH]

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee was fatally stabbed on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22.

The killing has drawn outrage over safety concerns and the suspect’s lengthy criminal history, while sparking criticism of local officials and national media outlets for what some say has been a muted response.

0 AP stories on this deadly attack
0 PBS stories on this deadly attack
0 NYT stories on this deadly attack
0 NPR stories on this deadly attack
0 WSJ stories on this deadly attack
0 BBC stories on this deadly attack
0 CNN stories on this deadly attack
0 WAPO stories on this… pic.twitter.com/962qmFOBNm

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) September 7, 2025

The victim, Iryna Zarutska, had fled Ukraine in 2022 amid the war in her home country.

She was wearing her work uniform from Zepeddie’s Pizza, where she had been employed, at the time of the attack.

Surveillance footage released by police shows a man later identified as Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, unfolding a pocket knife behind Zarutska while she sat using her phone.

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The video cuts before the stabbing but continues afterward, showing the suspect walking through the train dripping blood and carrying the weapon.

Witnesses on the train appeared largely unaware of what had taken place.

Brown is then seen removing his bloody hoodie and calmly waiting for the train to arrive at the next station before exiting.

Police arrested Brown, who has a history of violent crime and homelessness.

Court records show he has at least 14 prior convictions dating back to 2014.

He previously served five years for armed robbery and was released in September 2020.

Just five months later, he was arrested for assaulting his sister. Despite his record, he remained free before allegedly carrying out the fatal attack on Zarutska.

The release of surveillance footage prompted a statement from Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, who thanked media outlets for not sharing the video.

“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,” Lyles wrote on X.

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

Her remarks drew sharp criticism from Republicans.

“The Mayor’s refusal to condemn senseless, horrific, and preventable violence is as telling as it is despicable. Violent criminals, regardless of who they are or what they look like, need to be in jail,” Rep. Brad Knott (R-NC) said in response.

The Mayor’s refusal to condemn senseless, horrific, and preventable violence is as telling as it is despicable. Violent criminals, regardless of who they are or what they look like, need to be in jail. https://t.co/SAOEtbTrnk

— Congressman Brad Knott (@RepKnott) September 7, 2025

Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC) added, “The violence in Charlotte is a microcosm of a national epidemic. Americans deserve better than Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies.”

The violence in Charlotte is a microcosm of a national epidemic.

Americans deserve better than Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies. https://t.co/L6ULoPkfQx

— Rep. Mark Harris (@RepMarkHarrisNC) September 7, 2025

Local candidates and former officials also weighed in.

Charlotte City Council candidate Edwin B. Peacock released a video of himself riding the city’s light rail system at night, calling for tougher measures to combat crime on public transit.

“A week ago, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was brutally killed on Charlotte’s light rail. Her death is a tragedy we cannot ignore. Who’s riding without paying? Are they the ones causing problems? We need answers,” he wrote on X.

A week ago, 23-year-old #IrynaZarutska was brutally killed on Charlotte’s light rail. Her death is a tragedy we cannot ignore. Who’s riding without paying? Are they the ones causing problems? We need answers. #CLT #CATS #CMPD #PublicSafety pic.twitter.com/zi79P3KfFq

— Edwin B. Peacock III (@EdwinPeacockIII) August 30, 2025

Former Matthews Mayor Jim Taylor echoed concerns, stating, “I’m deeply disappointed in what’s been happening & the loss of focus on making the light rail welcoming & safe to travelers. It’s only going to get worse until the current MTC (Metropolitan Transit Commission) & quite frankly, the City of Charlotte get serious addressing the root cause.”

As a former member of the MTC, I’m deeply disappointed in what’s been happening & the loss of focus on making the light rail welcoming & safe to travelers. It’s only going to get worse until the current MTC & quite frankly, the City of Clt get serious addressing the root cause.

— Jim Taylor (@jamesptaylor) September 2, 2025

National voices also highlighted the killing.

Elon Musk criticized major news outlets, reposting a count of media coverage that showed no reporting from several mainstream organizations. “Zero,” Musk wrote alongside the retweet.

Zero https://t.co/5CXj1zZ0RJ

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2025

Divide by zero ratio https://t.co/vEfjFEfX1R

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2025

At Zepeddie’s Pizza, coworkers remembered Zarutska as a valued friend.

“Recently our Zepeddie’s family suffered a tremendous loss. We lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend. Our dear Iryna left this world far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief,” the restaurant said in a statement on Instagram.

“Since her passing, we have kept a candle burning in her memory — a small reminder of the warmth, kindness, and light she brought into our lives every single day.”

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has not issued further comment on the case.

Brown remains in custody, charged with murder. The investigation continues as public scrutiny grows over repeat offenders and safety on the city’s transit system.