During his annual State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump referenced Irina Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee tragically killed in North Carolina. The mention came as he expressed condolences and vowed to seek justice for her family.
Irina Zarutska, 23, was found dead on August 22 at a light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina. She had fled Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict and had been living with relatives in the United States.
According to police reports, Zarutska was fatally stabbed. The suspect, 34-year-old Dekarlos Brown Jr., was apprehended shortly after the incident. He has been charged with first-degree murder, although the motive for the attack remains unclear as investigations continue.
Brown has a history of arrests dating back to 2011, with charges including felony theft, armed robbery, and making threats. Most of these charges were dismissed. In January 2025, he was charged with the improper use of the 911 system, a case that is still pending.
In his address, President Trump called for the death penalty for Brown, emphasizing the severity of the crime. Additionally, entrepreneur Elon Musk pledged $1 million to fund murals in memory of Zarutska.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting concerns over violence and the safety of refugees in the United States.
President Trump's State of the Union address included a tribute to Irina Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee murdered in North Carolina. The incident has raised questions about safety and justice for vulnerable populations in the US.