September 9, 2025 6:30 am

How Long Will We Tolerate the Madness in Our Streets?

Decarlos Brown’s story is shocking, yet all too familiar.

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Surveillance footage shows alleged killer Decarlos Brown seated behind Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in Charlotte, N.C., shortly before the attack, in video posted September 5, 2025.

Charlotte Area Transit System via WBTV News Charlotte/YouTube

In her response to the murder of Iryna Zarutska on a light-rail train in Charlotte, N.C., the city’s mayor demonstrated the mindset that allowed the heinous act to happen in the first place.

Mayor Vi Lyles called the murder of the young Ukrainian refugee woman “a tragic situation that sheds light on problems with society’s safety nets related to mental healthcare.”

About the Author

Rich Lowry

Rich Lowry is the editor in chief of National Review.

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In her response to the murder of Iryna Zarutska on a light-rail train in Charlotte, N.C., the city’s mayor demonstrated the mindset that allowed the heinous act to happen in the first place.

Mayor Vi Lyles called the murder of the young Ukrainian refugee woman “a tragic situation that sheds light on problems with society’s safety nets related to mental healthcare.”