FBI and Transportation Agency Investigate Fatal Stabbing of Ukrainian Refugee

In Washington, the FBI and the Transportation Agency are looking into the stabbing death of Ukrainian refugee Irina Zaltoska, which occurred on a train in North Carolina last month, as confirmed on Monday.

“Since the very beginning, the FBI has been on this case related to the Charlotte train incident,” stated FBI director Kash Patel. He mentioned on social media, “stay tuned.”

Federal Transport Secretary Sean Duffy expressed strong support for President Trump’s tough stance on crime, particularly concerning federally funded public transport. He said, “If the mayor cannot ensure safety on trains and buses, they shouldn’t be receiving taxpayer dollars,” adding that the @USDOT would investigate Charlotte for its failure to protect Zaltoska and consider actions against other cities plagued by crime.

Duffy remarked on how this issue impacts many Americans, including himself, sharing his personal feelings on safety. “As someone who moved to Charlotte, I feel uncertain about using public transport, yet I need to commute for work,” he noted. “We shouldn’t put Americans in that situation, and the Trump administration will strive to bring about change.”

The suspect, DeCarlos Brown Jr., has a troubling history, having been arrested and released by authorities at least 14 times. Surveillance footage captured him on August 22 attacking Salzka shortly after boarding a bus from his job at a local pizzeria.

Trump described the video of the attack as “terrifying,” criticizing cashless bail policies in Democratic-led cities for contributing to the young refugee’s tragic death. “I have seen a horrifying video of a beautiful young Ukrainian who came to escape the brutal war in her homeland,” he said.

According to Trump, Brown is a known offender with a record of violence and mental health issues, including schizophrenia. He was released on cashless bail in January and has been incarcerated for various crimes, such as robbery.

Currently, Brown, 34, remains in custody at Mecklenburg County Jail, facing murder charges, as local police collaborate with federal authorities on the ongoing investigation.