Officials in North Carolina tackle crime following deadly stabbing of Ukrainian refugee on public transport.

North Carolina officials addressed concerns about transit safety on Wednesday following the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on the public transit system in the city.

Iryna Zarutska, 23, was killed on a Charlotte Area Transit System train in North Carolina last month. The incident has sparked national outrage after footage of the killing was released, revealing that the suspect had a history of violent crimes.

Local lawmakers discussed various responses to the killing, including calls to expand the police force, improve mental health services, and increase staff at the district attorney's office. Some officials attributed the incident to Democratic policies and urged reforms in the criminal justice system.

At a press conference, Jason Simmons, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, criticized Democratic policies on crime, stating that they have favored criminals. Meanwhile, Charlotte Councilman Malcolm Graham, a Democrat, emphasized the need to address repeat offenders and root causes of crime.

Zarutska had recently arrived in the United States to escape the conflict in her home country. Security footage of the incident showed her being fatally stabbed without provocation. The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, has a criminal record spanning over a decade, including serious offenses like breaking and entering and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Brown faces charges related to Zarutska's stabbing and could receive a life sentence or the death penalty if convicted. The incident has drawn criticism from federal officials, with calls for greater accountability and improved safety measures in public transportation systems.

Zarutska's family described her as a kind and hardworking individual who had come to the U.S. seeking peace and safety. A lawyer for the family expressed deep sorrow over her tragic death and highlighted her positive qualities and aspirations.