North Carolina Legislature Approves "Iryna's Law" Following Refugee's Fatal Stabbing

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina lawmakers have given final approval to "Iryna's Law," a comprehensive criminal justice package enacted in response to the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train. The bill, passed by the House with an 81-31 vote and previously by the Senate, now heads to Democratic Governor Josh Stein, who has expressed support for some pretrial reforms. The legislation aims to limit bail, ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations, and could potentially restart executions in the state after a nearly two-decade halt.

Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old who fled the war in Ukraine in 2022 seeking safety, was fatally stabbed on August 22, 2025, while riding the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte. Surveillance footage released by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) showed Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, allegedly attacking Zarutska from behind in an unprovoked assault. Her family and supporters have widely adopted the rallying cry, "Say her name!" to honor her memory and draw attention to the case.

Brown, who faces first-degree murder charges in state court and a federal charge, had a history of arrests and was reportedly released on a misdemeanor count without bond earlier in the year. His mother has stated he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, raising questions about gaps in the criminal justice and mental health systems. The incident sparked outrage and intensified public debate over public safety and judicial practices.

The tragic event quickly garnered national attention and became politicized, with figures like former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk criticizing what they termed "soft-on-crime" policies. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles called the killing "senseless and tragic," while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid tribute to Zarutska at the United Nations General Assembly. The widespread coverage and social media outcry highlighted concerns about transit security and the treatment of individuals with severe mental illness within the legal system.

"Iryna's Law" specifically targets cashless bail for many crimes and seeks to limit the discretion of magistrates and judges in pretrial release decisions. It also outlines criteria for involuntary commitment for mental health evaluations. While Republicans championed the bill as a necessary step to prevent similar tragedies, some Democrats argued it falls short in providing adequate mental health services and funds for additional police and crisis responders.