North Carolina Republicans blast Democrats over Ukrainian refugee murder

North Carolina Republicans excoriated Democrats on Wednesday for “soft on crime” policies that they say led to the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte.

GOP leaders from across the state gathered in Charlotte for a press conference on Wednesday, highlighting their plans to reform city and state crime policies. Kyle Kirby, chairman of the Mecklenburg County GOP, urged Americans not to shirk away from the footage of Zarutska’s slaying.

“Don’t look away. Don’t turn your heads. Don’t shut your eyes. Watch it. Because she had no choice but to look evil in the face,” Kirby said. “Her final moments were moments of terror, pain and loneliness. While no one was able to lift a hand on that car to help her, you can see the killer walking away with his knife dripping blood in chilling indifference.”

“What the Democrats call restorative justice looks like Iryna Zarutska’s murder. The suffering of you and your loved ones for their gain. Shame on the Mecklenburg County justice system. You failed to incarcerate an individual who had been arrested previously 14 times. Shame on the civic leadership of Charlotte. You failed to protect the very people you swore to serve. And shame on Mayor Lyles. You failed to offer anything other than platitudes and pandering instead of real, meaningful leadership,” he continued.

CHARLOTTE MAYOR SCORES PRIMARY RE-ELECTION VICTORY AMID NATIONAL BACKLASH OVER GRUESOME TRAIN MURDER

Kirby recounted that Zarutska arrived in the U.S. as a refugee fleeing the war in Ukraine. He also encouraged residents to attend a candlelight vigil on the one-month anniversary of Zarutska’s death.

“She made her way from that country to Charlotte seeking refuge and promise, and she was given the edge of a knife,” he said. “She died because of our complacency and what we have allowed to perpetuate in the Charlotte and municipal and county governments.”

UKRAINIAN WOMAN WHO FLED WAR STABBED TO DEATH AT CHARLOTTE LIGHT RAIL STATION

Kirby’s message is one that also has taken root nationally, with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance pointing to Democratic policies like cashless bail, which they say allows dangerous criminals to roam free.

Vice President JD Vance laid into former North Carolina Gov. Roy…