GoFundMe removes fundraisers for Decarlos Brown Jr., accused of killing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte train. Outrage sparks online.
GoFundMe Shuts Down Fundraisers for Man Accused of Killing Ukrainian Refugee
GoFundMe has officially removed fundraisers created for a man accused of killing a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee in what police believe was a random attack on public transport in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Fatal Attack
On August 22, Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed while riding a train in Charlotte.
Police identified Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, as the main suspect.
Footage showed Brown sitting directly behind Zarutska moments before the stabbing.
Brown sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and was later hospitalized before being taken into custody.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed:
“Brown will be arrested upon his release. He is charged with First Degree Murder… The investigation into this case is active and ongoing.”
Brown later appeared in court on August 29, where a judge denied him bail.
Controversial Fundraisers Appear
Despite the charges, several GoFundMe campaigns were created to raise money for Brown’s legal defense.
One fundraiser claimed:
“While what happened on the Blue Line was a tragedy, what we mustn’t lose sight of is that Decarlos Brown Jr. was failed by the judicial system and mental health services of North Carolina.”
Another page alleged bias and racism, asking for donations to “push against this corrupt narrative.”
These fundraisers quickly went viral, sparking outrage among the public and victims’ supporters.
GoFundMe Responds
After backlash, GoFundMe removed all campaigns linked to Brown’s defense.
A company spokesperson explained:
“GoFundMe’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit fundraisers that raise money for the legal defense of anyone formally charged with a violent crime. Consistent with this long-standing policy, all fundraisers for Decarlos Brown Jr.’s legal defense have been removed, and donors have been fully refunded.”
National Reaction
The shocking attack drew responses even from the White House. When asked about the incident, President Donald Trump called it “horrible” and promised to be briefed on the case.
Meanwhile, friends and community members are remembering Zarutska as a young woman who escaped war in Ukraine, only to lose her life tragically in the United States.
Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Visit 988lifeline.org for chat support.
Text MHA to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.
