North Carolina Lawmakers Investigate Crime Response Following Stabbings

Tue Feb 10 2026 01:15:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of two stabbings on Charlotte's light rail system, North Carolina's Republican lawmakers are convening to question city officials and law enforcement on public safety strategies.

North Carolina's Republican lawmakers are preparing to hold a committee meeting to interrogate Charlotte city leaders regarding crime reduction efforts following two notable stabbings on the city's light rail system, including a fatal incident involving a Ukrainian refugee. Criticism of local law enforcement and administration from GOP members has intensified, focusing on perceived failures in handling public safety and criminal proceedings. Key officials, including the Mayor and Police Chief, have been summoned to testify.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are set to question officials from the Charlotte area about their strategies for combating crime, specifically following two violent stabbings on the city’s light rail system, one of which was fatal.

The House oversight committee has called Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson, and Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden to testify at a meeting scheduled for Monday at the Legislative Building.

One of the main triggers for the scrutiny by Republican lawmakers was the stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, in August, which was followed by another stabbing incident on the same light rail line in December. These incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness of local law enforcement's response to violent crime, drawing national attention, including comments from former President Donald Trump.

In their invitation letters, the committee's co-chairs mentioned that high-profile crimes in recent years have prompted serious concerns regarding law enforcement staffing and public safety strategy in Charlotte.

Republicans are using this committee as a platform to criticize the Democrats' approach to crime, accusing local leaders of being too lenient on criminal activity. They argue that this leniency has contributed to public safety issues, especially in light of the incidents on the transit system. They emphasize the role of the oversight committee in ensuring that public funds are used to prioritize the safety of North Carolina residents.

The public inquiry into the stabbings follows a backdrop of broader state legislative actions aimed at crime, including a new law targeting cashless bail for violent crimes and repeat offenders, with an emphasis on ensuring mental health evaluations for defendants.

The committee’s examination can lead to demands for additional documentation from local governments or even threats to cut funding, but implementing such measures would require action from the broader General Assembly.

Decarlos Brown Jr., the man charged in Zarutska’s murder, reportedly had numerous prior arrests, raising questions about law enforcement strategies regarding repeat offenders. Mayor Lyles has called for an urgent reevaluation of the local justice system in light of these tragic events.

Additionally, the suspect in the second stabbing incident is Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, who had previously been deported twice. Both suspects are currently incarcerated as proceedings move forward. The committee meeting is expected to scrutinize the adequacy of local law enforcement practices in light of these incidents.