Sep 10, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Trump demands death penalty for Charlotte stabbing suspect

Andrew Childers

President Trump waves to the crowd as he arrives for dinner at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab on Sept. 9 in Washington, D.C. — President Trump waves as he arrives at a restaurant on Sept. 9 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

President Trump on Wednesday demanded the North Carolina man accused of murdering a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte train be put to death after a "Quick" trial.

Why it matters: Trump has previously called for the death penalty for all murders in D.C. and Republicans have seized on the Charlotte attack as evidence the president's decision to send the National Guard and federal agents to fight crime in cities is justified.

What he's saying: "The ANIMAL who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a 'Quick' (there is no doubt!) Trial, and only awarded THE DEATH PENALTY," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "There can be no other option!!!"

Catch up quick: The suspect, Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, was charged with a federal crime Tuesday, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or execution.

Brown allegedly has already been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a light-rail car last month.
Brown was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia and has a violent criminal history.

Go deeper: Stabbing video fuels MAGA's crime message

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Trump demands death penalty for Charlotte stabbing suspect

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