The Charlotte City Council is facing criticism for approving a $3.4 million marketing initiative for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), particularly following recent stabbings involving the light rail system.
This month, the council voted to employ a Texas company to help with CATS’ long-term communication and branding strategies. City officials have stated that this agreement is not directly related to the recent stabbings, suggesting that the timing is coincidental.
Kyle Kirby, the Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Republican Party, disagrees with that stance. He described the public relations campaign as a “cover-up” for ongoing safety concerns within the city.
“It’s quite alarming that the city is choosing to spend $3.4 million on public relations instead of investing in actual safety measures, like fencing off platforms or placing police officers on trains,” he remarked.
The backdrop of this marketing deal is troubling, particularly after a series of violent events on the light rail.
In August, Irina Zalutka, a 23-year-old, was allegedly stabbed by DeCarlos Brown Jr., 34, under disturbing circumstances. The attack was recorded on surveillance, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals on public transport.
More recently, on December 5, Oscar Gerardo Solorzano Garcia, 33, stabbed Kenyon Doby during a confrontation on a train. Reportedly, he entered the vehicle brandishing a knife with an intention to commit violence. Authorities noted that he appeared intoxicated and was aggressive toward others on the train.
Doby was transported to a hospital with a severe chest wound but tragically did not survive. Solorzano Garcia now faces charges for illegal re-entry after being deported previously and for violence on public transportation.
Kirby has criticized the city’s decision to promote this marketing campaign instead of directing funds toward law enforcement, such as enforcing Irina’s Law aimed at keeping violent offenders off the streets. He mentioned that public transport has been significantly underused since the stabbings, citing fear among the community.
“If you were to take a ride from the tracks to UNC Charlotte now, you’d notice a lot of empty cars because folks are worried,” he said.
Sheriff Garry McFadden attributed part of the community’s anxiety to sensationalized media coverage. He pointed out that the public only became aware of the incidents due to the extensive media attention, suggesting that it fueled a narrative that affected people’s perceptions.
Kirby indicated that with adequate security measures, both stabbings might have been prevented. He expressed concern over the refusal of the Sheriff’s Office to cooperate with federal operations aimed at immigration enforcement in Charlotte post-incident.
He also mentioned that Zalutka’s death may not have occurred if local judicial authorities had taken previous violent offenders more seriously and not allowed their release on recognizance.
Efforts to reach the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and CATS for further comment are underway.
