Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized Democrats for not supporting the grieving mother of a Ukrainian refugee who was murdered, during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
Irina Zalutka, just 23, was killed on a train in North Carolina by a repeat offender released on no-cash bail. Her mother, Anna, attended the address in Washington, D.C., Tuesday and was visibly emotional as the president recounted her daughter’s tragic story.
“Democrats are not going to support Irina Zalutka, that beautiful young woman who was murdered on the subway,” Bondi stated on “Fox & Friends.”
Her office is moving forward with action against the suspect in the August 22 stabbing, which followed Irina and her family’s immigration to escape Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Bondi emphasized the difference between the reactions of Trump and the Republicans compared to the Democrats, saying, “We’re prosecuting this monster and we’re calling for the death penalty. They refuse to even represent that victim.” She added that it was heartbreaking for Irina’s mother and that support should transcend party lines.
During his speech, Trump highlighted Irina’s story as part of a call for Congress to enact stricter laws targeting repeat offenders and questioned why Democrats weren’t standing in support. “She fled a brutal war, but was murdered by a violent criminal with a license to kill in America,” he remarked.
He assured Mr. Zalutka that justice would be sought for his daughter, indicating the need for firm action against crime.
The address also featured moments of a bipartisan nature, like when the U.S. men’s hockey team celebrated their Olympic gold medal win, and a 100-year-old Korean War veteran was honored with the Medal of Honor. However, much of the night saw confrontational exchanges between Trump and Democratic lawmakers.
