Charlotte – Riders expressed outrage following the tragic incident involving Ukrainian refugee Irina Zaltoska, who was killed on a Charlotte train. On Tuesday, they noted that security presence remained unchanged.
“If they’re serious about security, they need to show it,” said Antoine Whiting, a mover and security guard, while at East/West Boulevard station—the same spot where Zarutska was attacked.
“She’s surrounded by worthless people,” he added, speaking about the situation.
Zaltska, just 23, was fatally stabbed on the Links Blue Line on August 22 by a man with a history of criminal behavior, who was reportedly free on cashless bail after a recent arrest.
For weeks, this story had gone largely unnoticed until a newly released video caught widespread attention, coinciding with Charlotte’s primary elections, where voters were considering Mayor Lyles’ potential fifth term.
Whiting further criticized Lyles, feeling that the mayor’s response had been inadequate in light of the violence. “This is unacceptable. The mayor is partly responsible for what happened to that young woman,” said Jerome Almon, 60, at the Charlotte Transport Center Station.
He pointed out the suspect’s lengthy criminal record, accusing Lyles of “making excuses for those with numerous arrests.”
“I grew up in a tough area; I feel more at risk here than during those times,” he remarked, reflecting on his past.
Despite Lyles’ promises for improved safety, there were, astonishingly, few security officers to be seen at the stations. One patrol car was present but far from ready to address emergencies.
As riders traveled the Blue Line, they noted the absence of increased security forces, with only a limited number of guards spotted intermittently at certain stations.
Rider Sueh Witherin, 60, questioned the reliance on private security, asking, “Why can’t I be a city police officer?” expressing frustration over the city’s safety measures.
Mayor Lyles did not comment on the situation Tuesday, prioritizing her campaign efforts.
Despite potential challenges to her re-election, Lyles has faced criticism for attributing part of the blame for the murder to the judicial system rather than directly addressing community safety. Challenger Jaraun “Gemini” Boyd noted that the mayor’s comments reflect a lack of proper leadership in addressing mental health issues in the community.
Another rival, Delter Kenny Gin III, described Zaltska’s murder as preventable and vowed to enact severe penalties for repeat offenders if he were elected, emphasizing that the suspect’s prior criminal history should have raised alarms.
