North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein addressed the killing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail train. Police identified the suspect as Decarlos Brown Jr, who is described by authorities as a repeat offender.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, surveillance video from the Charlotte Area Transit System shows Zarutska in her pizzeria uniform, scrolling on her phone as Brown unfolded a pocketknife behind her. The video ends moments before the stabbing.

After days of criticism for not commenting, Stein issued a statement on X.

“I am heartbroken for the family of Iryna Zarutska, who lost their loved one to this senseless act of violence, and I am appalled by the footage of her murder,” Stein wrote.

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“We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe. That’s why my budget calls for more funding to hire more well-trained police officers. I call upon the legislature to pass my law enforcement recruitment and retention package to address vacancies in our state and local agencies so they can stop these horrific crimes and hold violent criminals accountable,” Stein added.

Stein’s remarks drew criticism. Commentators noted that Brown had been arrested at least 14 times and released multiple times.

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) also criticized Stein, citing his record as attorney general.

“Iryna’s blood is on the hands of Democrat leaders like Stein, but they’ll always blame someone else. How about taking accountability for all the times this monster was released while you were NC AG, Josh?” Biggs posted.