North Carolina Republicans to Question Charlotte Leaders on Crime After Train Stabbings

GOP lawmakers to grill Charlotte officials on public safety tactics and spending following two light rail attacks

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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North Carolina Republican lawmakers are preparing to question Charlotte-area leaders about crime-fighting tactics and spending, particularly in the wake of two stabbings - one fatal - on the city's light rail system. The August 2026 fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska and a December non-fatal stabbing on the same rail line have prompted GOP critiques of area law enforcement. The state House oversight committee has called Charlotte's mayor, police chief, and county sheriff to testify on public safety strategies and funding.

Why it matters

The public scrutiny from Republican lawmakers is seen as a way to score political points on crime and immigration issues. While the committee can seek more information from local officials, any potential funding cuts would require separate action by the full state legislature. The stabbings have reignited debates over bail reform, mental health treatment, and cooperation between local and federal law enforcement.

The details

The August 2026 fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska and a December non-fatal stabbing on Charlotte's light rail system are the chief reasons for the GOP critiques. The suspects in each attack - Decarlos Brown Jr. and Oscar Solorzano - face both state and federal charges. Brown had over a dozen prior arrests, raising concerns about his mental health, while Solorzano had been deported twice since 2018 for illegal reentry.

  • The August 2026 fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska occurred on the Charlotte light rail system.
  • In December 2026, a non-fatal stabbing took place on the same Charlotte light rail system.
  • The state House oversight committee hearing is scheduled for Monday.

The players

Vi Lyles

The mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Estella Patterson

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief.

Garry McFadden

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff.

Decarlos Brown Jr.

The suspect accused in the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, who had over a dozen prior criminal arrests.

Oscar Solorzano

The suspect accused in the non-fatal December stabbing on the Charlotte light rail, who had been deported twice since 2018 for illegal reentry.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.