Trump Honors Slain Ukrainian Immigrant Iryna Zarutska in State of the Union

President rebukes Democrats' response during speech about Charlotte light rail attack

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Six months after Iryna Zarutska was killed on a Charlotte light rail train, her mother Anna Zarutska sat inside the House chamber as President Donald Trump detailed the attack during his State of the Union address. Trump promised to ensure justice for Iryna, but fact-checked portions of his speech that incorrectly claimed her killer came in through 'open borders' when he was actually a U.S. citizen born in Charlotte.

Why it matters

Iryna Zarutska's tragic death on the Charlotte light rail gained national attention, putting a spotlight on crime and public safety issues in the city. Trump's speech and the Democrats' response highlighted the political divide around these issues.

The details

Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian immigrant, was killed on the Charlotte light rail train as it approached the East/West stop in South End in August 2025. Her suspected killer, DeCarlos Brown, is a U.S. citizen born in Charlotte, contrary to Trump's claim that he 'came in through open borders.' Iryna was working and saving money to buy a car and go to school, pursuing the American dream. Her death made national headlines when video of the attack was publicly released.

  • Iryna Zarutska was killed on August 22, 2025.
  • Trump mentioned Iryna Zarutska and her mother Anna during his State of the Union address on February 25, 2026.

The players

Iryna Zarutska

A Ukrainian immigrant who was killed on a Charlotte light rail train in August 2025 while pursuing the American dream.

Anna Zarutska

Iryna Zarutska's mother, who sat in the House chamber during Trump's State of the Union address as the president honored her daughter.

DeCarlos Brown

The suspected killer of Iryna Zarutska, who is a U.S. citizen born in Charlotte, contrary to Trump's claim that he 'came in through open borders.'

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who detailed the attack on Iryna Zarutska during his State of the Union address and criticized Democrats for not standing and applauding.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight, I promise you we will ensure justice for your magnificent daughter, Iryna.”

— President Donald Trump (State of the Union address)

“We are honored to be joined tonight by a woman who has been through hell. Anna Zarutska, in 2022 ... her beautiful daughter, so beautiful, what a beautiful young woman ... Iryna fled war-torn Ukraine to live with relatives near Charlotte, North Carolina, and by the way, what's going on in Charlotte?”

— President Donald Trump (State of the Union address)

What’s next

The judge in DeCarlos Brown's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around crime, public safety, and immigration policies in the U.S., with the tragic death of Iryna Zarutska becoming a political flashpoint between the President and Democrats.