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Misinformation amplified by Trump during State of the Union address regarding Charlotte murder case
Misinformation about a high-profile North Carolina murder case reached millions of Americans during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night when he falsely characterized the suspect in Iryna Zarutska’s killing as an undocumented immigrant.
While addressing Anna Zarutska, the victim’s mother who was present in the audience, Trump referred to DeCarlos Brown, the man charged with fatally stabbing Iryna on a Charlotte light-rail train last year, as a “deranged monster” who “came in through open borders.”
Court records clearly refute this claim. Brown is a U.S. citizen who was born in Charlotte and possessed a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
The case of Iryna Zarutska’s murder has become increasingly politicized since the tragic incident. Republicans quickly seized on the case to criticize local Democratic officials, and the controversy led to swift legislative action in North Carolina.
The Republican-controlled General Assembly passed “Iryna’s Law,” which was subsequently signed by Governor Josh Stein. The legislation implements significant changes to the state’s criminal justice system, including restrictions on cashless bail and provisions aimed at restarting North Carolina’s dormant death penalty program.
Political claims surrounding the case have extended beyond immigration status. Republican officials have attempted to link former Governor Roy Cooper, now a candidate in a competitive U.S. Senate race, to Brown’s presence on the streets at the time of the murder.
These allegations center on a February 2021 settlement agreement between the Cooper administration and advocacy groups that resulted in the early release of approximately 3,500 nonviolent offenders to reduce prison overcrowding during the COVID-19 pandemic. While Brown’s name appeared on a list of prisoners released under this agreement, the timing doesn’t support the claims being made.
Records show Brown had already been released from prison by the time Cooper agreed to the settlement. He completed a 73-month mandatory minimum sentence for armed robbery and was released on September 20, 2020. Brown was supposed to remain under post-release supervision for an additional year.
That supervision status was jeopardized after an arrest for allegedly assaulting his sister, but those charges were dismissed. After a hearing, corrections officials opted not to revoke his supervision, which ultimately expired on September 20, 2021.
State prison authorities have clarified that Brown’s inclusion on the early-release list was related to his post-release supervision status, not because he received early release from his prison sentence.
Brown, 34, has a documented history of mental health issues and an extensive criminal record including shoplifting, breaking and entering, and armed robbery. Prior to being charged with Zarutska’s murder, his most recent criminal charge involved misusing the 911 emergency system.
He now faces potential death penalty charges in both state and federal court. Currently, Brown is undergoing evaluation to determine if he is mentally competent to stand trial.
When asked to explain the President’s “open borders” claim in connection to the case, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson did not address the factual error directly. Instead, she stated: “Democrats protect murderers and illegal aliens over American citizens.”
This case highlights how tragic violent crimes can become politicized and surrounded by misinformation, particularly during election seasons when immigration and crime remain contentious political issues. The false characterization of Brown’s immigration status during a presidential address to the nation demonstrates how easily inaccurate information can be amplified at the highest levels of government.
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9 Comments
I appreciate DeCarlos Brown taking the time to clarify his immigration status and clear up the misconceptions. Fact-checking and transparency are so important, especially when it comes to high-profile criminal cases that can be easily exploited for political gain.
This is a complex case with a lot of emotion and politics swirling around it. While the loss of life is tragic, it’s important to separate the facts from the rhetoric and ensure the judicial process is focused on justice, not partisan narratives.
This is a heartbreaking case, and I’m troubled to see it being used for political gain. While the facts around the suspect’s immigration status are now clear, the real tragedy is the loss of life. I hope the focus can shift to honoring the victim and ensuring a fair legal process.
It’s unfortunate to see this case being exploited for political gain. The facts are clear – the suspect is a US citizen, not an undocumented immigrant. I hope the focus can shift back to the victim and a just legal process.
Sad to see this case being politicized. The facts are clear – the suspect is a US citizen, not an undocumented immigrant. I hope the investigation and trial can focus on justice for the victim without getting caught up in political agendas.
It’s concerning to see misinformation being spread, even by the President, about a tragic crime case. Verifying the facts is crucial, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like immigration status. I hope the truth prevails in this situation.
This is a tragic situation, and I’m glad the suspect’s immigration status has been clarified. While the political dimensions are concerning, the most important thing is ensuring a fair investigation and trial that honors the victim.
It’s concerning to see how quickly this case was seized upon to push certain political agendas, rather than focusing on the victim and ensuring a fair judicial process. I hope the facts can prevail and the case can be resolved with integrity.
This is a sensitive and tragic situation, and I’m glad to see DeCarlos Brown clarifying his immigration status. Spreading misinformation, even from high-profile figures, is unacceptable and undermines public trust. I hope the focus can return to the victim and a fair judicial process.