North Carolina Lawmakers Scrutinize Local Leaders in Wake of Stabbings

Tue Feb 10 2026 00:29:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following two stabbings, including one fatality, North Carolina Republican lawmakers will question Charlotte officials about crime control and public safety measures during an oversight committee meeting.

Amid increasing crime concerns highlighted by recent stabbings on Charlotte's light rail, North Carolina Republicans are set to publicly grill local leaders. The committee seeks to ensure safety following incidents that have sparked political outrage, questioning funding and policing strategies. Key city officials will testify, including Mayor Lyles and Police Chief Patterson, as the past incidents raise broader questions about law enforcement priorities and practices.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are preparing to scrutinize Charlotte-area leaders about crime prevention tactics and budget allocations, particularly following two recent stabbings on the city's light rail system. One of these stabbings resulted in the death of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee.

A House oversight committee has summoned Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Police Chief Estella Patterson, and Sheriff Garry McFadden to testify on the matter. The incidents, which garnered national attention and comments from high-profile figures, have sparked a fierce discussion about local law enforcement practices.

In their letters to the officials, the committee’s co-chairs expressed that high-profile crimes have raised “serious concerns” regarding staffing, prosecutorial practices, and public safety strategies in Charlotte. They responsible for ensuring that local governments utilizing public funds place a high priority on the safety of North Carolina residents.

The committee has the authority to request additional documents and reports from local entities and could threaten funding losses, although any action regarding funding would require further approval from the General Assembly.

Decarlos Brown Jr. is the individual accused in Zarutska’s fatal incident. Having a criminal record with over a dozen previous arrests, concerns about his mental health have been raised. Lawmakers, including former President Donald Trump, have criticized Democratic leadership in the state for perceived leniency in allowing Brown to remain free prior to this incident.

Democratic leaders have responded to the tragedy, with Mayor Lyles pointing to systemic failures within judicial practices. The aftermath led to a new law prohibiting cashless bail for certain violent offenders and ensuring mental health evaluations for defendants.

The second stabbing involved a suspect identified as Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, who had previous run-ins with immigration authorities. This has led to renewed scrutiny on law enforcement's handling of immigrant-related crimes, with Republicans blaming local officials for insufficient cooperation with federal agents.

Despite these challenges, local leaders emphasize their commitment to enhancing safety across Charlotte's public transport system. In the wake of these events, ongoing discussions about mental health responses and crime prevention are expected to continue.