North Carolina lawmakers and officials convened Wednesday, September 10, to address public safety concerns following the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on Charlotte's transit system last month.

Iryna Zarutska, 23, died after being stabbed on a Charlotte Area Transit System train. The incident has drawn national attention since video footage was released and the suspect's extensive criminal history became public.

Also read: Charlotte train stabbing ends Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska’s pursuit of the 'American Dream'

Republican leaders blame Democratic crime policies

At a Wednesday news conference, Republican officials criticized Democratic criminal justice policies in connection with the Charlotte transit attack.

"Let's be very clear, crime is a choice, and Democrats have chosen to side with criminals," Jason Simmons, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, said at a news conference. "Their policies of appeasement, their weak on crime policies, their open door and revolving door policies in our criminal justice system and jails have allowed murderers back on the streets, time and time again."

Democratic City Council member acknowledges system failures

Speaking at the Charlotte Transit Station, City Council member Malcolm Graham, a Democrat, acknowledged problems with repeat offenders in the criminal justice system.

"Let me be clear. We also must close the revolving door for repeat offenders," he said. "Too many of the crimes that disrupt our neighborhoods and transit system are committed by individuals who cycle through the system over and over and over again."

Graham added that "there's no choice but to meet this moment with clarity of purpose by increasing, by addressing root causes, admitting our shortcomings where they exist and listening to community voices and acting swiftly to regain public confidence."

Charlotte transit system attack details

Security footage shows Zarutska being suddenly stabbed in the neck by a passenger seated behind her without provocation. The Ukrainian refugee collapsed on the train floor and was later pronounced dead. Other passengers provided no immediate assistance during the attack.

Also read: Iryna Zarutska stabbing case: Knifeman’s dark, disturbing motive for killing Ukrainian refugee will haunt

Zarutska had recently immigrated to the United States to escape Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to her family.

Suspect's extensive criminal history raises questions

Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, faces charges of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. Court records show Brown has a criminal history spanning more than a decade, including felony breaking and entering and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Brown's criminal record has prompted criticism from federal officials regarding his release from custody.

Federal officials respond to Charlotte transit crime

"This tragedy was preventable," Rep. Tim Moore, R-N.C., wrote on X. "There must be accountability. North Carolinians deserve better."

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller blamed Zarutska's death on the Democratic Party, accusing politicians and judges of lenient prosecution policies.

At a White House briefing Tuesday, September 9, press secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed media coverage.

"Perhaps most shamefully of all, the majority of media — many outlets in this room — decided that her murder was not worth reporting on originally, because it does not fit a preferred narrative," Leavitt said.

Also read: Zarutska stabbing: Suspect in Charlotte train stabbing of Ukrainian refugee faces federal charges

Legal proceedings and victim remembrance

Brown faces life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted of the Charlotte transit system attack.

Lauren O. Newton, representing Zarutska's family, said the victim had recently moved in with her partner and was taking English classes.

"Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way," Newton said. The attorney described Zarutska as "kind and hardworking" and deeply loved by family and friends.