Trump mentions murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska during address to Congress
US President Donald Trump, during his address to Congress, has mentioned 23-year-old Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska, who was brutally killed in August 2025.
Source: Trump during his annual address to Congress
Quote: "She had escaped a brutal war only to be slain by a hardened criminal set free to kill in America."
Details: Trump said, despite progress, dangerous repeat offenders continue to be released due to policies he linked to the Democrats.
He then addressed Iryna Zarutska's mother, who was present in the chamber.
Quote: "We are honoured to be joined tonight by a woman who's been through hell, Anna Zarutska. In 2022, she and her beautiful daughter, so beautiful, what a beautiful young woman, Iryna fled war-torn Ukraine to live with relatives near Charlotte, North Carolina.
Last summer, 23-year-old Iryna was riding home on the train when a deranged monster, who had been arrested over a dozen times and was released through no cash bail, stood up and viciously slashed a knife through her neck and body. No one will ever forget the expression of terror on Iryna's face as she looked up at her attacker in the last seconds of her life. She died instantly.
Mrs Zarutska, tonight, I promise you, we will ensure justice for your magnificent daughter, Iryna."
Background:
- The tragedy occurred on the evening of 22 August at the East/West Boulevard train station in the South End neighbourhood of Charlotte. According to police, Iryna Zarutska suffered multiple stab wounds and died at the scene.
- The police have arrested a suspect in the murder of the Ukrainian woman – Decarlos Brown Jr, a 34-year-old homeless man. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
- Brown already has a criminal record, having been arrested multiple times for theft, armed robbery and threats since 2011.
- Trump called for the death penalty for Decarlos Brown Jr.
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