North Carolina lawmakers question Mecklenburg County sheriff's competency in fiery hearing

Catch up quick: The August 2025 fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte's light rail drew widespread GOP scrutiny, including from President Trump.

• Charlotte political and law enforcement leaders, including Mayor Vi Lyles and District Attorney Spencer Merriweather, were called to testify before the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform on their roles in keeping the city safe.

Rep. Brenden Jones, the committee chair, said Charlotte leaders were brought to Raleigh "for one reason: incompetence."

• He said Zarutska's blood was on their hands.

The big picture: Throughout the hours-long hearing, McFadden dodged questions related to accusations against him. Most were documented in a petition that prompted an ongoing SBI investigation.

Flashback: In January, Rep. Carla Cunningham and four of McFadden's former employees filed a court petition accusing him of misconduct and extortion. The petition was later dismissed for procedural reasons. However, the filing alleged the sheriff told Cunningham to vote down certain legislation, stating, "I don't want to see you get hurt; you live in my county."

• McFadden was also accused of mismanaging resources, including directing on-duty deputies to drive people to bars and strip clubs in county-owned vehicles.

In his first question to McFadden, chair Jones asked "yes or no" if deputies ever drove people to bars and strip clubs.

• McFadden declined to respond, even hypothetically.
• McFadden also refused to comment on inmate deaths, citing five ongoing lawsuits. Since McFadden took office in 2018, 21 inmates have died. At one point, the meeting abruptly recessed so McFadden could consult his counsel on what he could answer.

Some state Republicans have begun referring to the sheriff as "Not My Fault McFadden" — a nickname Jones whispered under his breath throughout the hearing — saying McFadden never takes accountability.

"We often get to see real leaders step up and say, 'The buck stops here,'" Rep. Allen Chesser said. "I've never heard anyone with the rank that is on your shoulders, sir, say that nothing is their fault."

• Asked how he's recruiting staff, McFadden said he's asking people to speak positively about the sheriff's office. He argued that ICE has given law enforcement a negative image.

• Asked about preventing jail deaths, McFadden responded that people die in the hospital every day.
• Asked why former chief deputy Kevin Canty called his office a "dictatorship," McFadden said Black leadership is often undermined.
• Rep. Brian Echevarria, who is Black, interrupted: "Because he's Black and you're Black ... that's the reason?"

At one point, McFadden could not say which branch of government he operates under.

• "Are you aware of how many branches of government there are?" Chesser asked.
• "No," McFadden responded.

Zoom out: The sheriff's testimony resulted in few, if any, ideas for improving public safety in Charlotte.

• The other leaders' questioning was cordial and took significantly less time. CMPD chief Estella Patterson spoke about priorities in her new role, while District Attorney Spencer Merriweather shared his need for more prosecutors.

The other side: McFadden spoke of his accolades and often mentioned he is the first Black sheriff of Mecklenburg County, which comes with a burden.

• "You can compare me to any other sheriff's office in North Carolina. No sheriff's office has my resume," McFadden said.

What we're watching: McFadden is running for reelection. He faces three challengers in the Democratic primary, with early voting starting this week. The Democratic nominee will take office since no Republicans are running.