Iryna Zarutska vigil planned Monday, one month after Charlotte light rail stabbing
A local political party and other community organizations are hosting a public vigil next week honoring Iryna Zarutska, the Ukrainian refugee murdered on Charlotte’s light rail last month.
The candlelight vigil for Zarutska, 23, is scheduled for 8 p.m. Monday, marking 30 days since she was fatally stabbed on the LYNX Blue Line in South End. DeCarlos Brown Jr. is charged with first-degree murder and a federal transit crime in the case.
The event is organized by the Mecklenburg County Republican Party, West Charlotte Ministries, St. Simon Serbian Orthodox Church and New Hope Church. It will be held at the East/West Boulevard light rail station, 1821 Camden St. — the station closest to where police say Zarutska was killed.
Mecklenburg GOP Chair Kyle Kirby said organizers “expect a large turnout of over 1,000 people.”
“This is a respectful event open to anyone wishing to honor Iryna’s memory and bring light to public safety in Charlotte-Mecklenburg,” he said.
The program will include songs from Ukrainian-American singer Tatyana Thulien and prayers from local clergy, Kirby said. West Boulevard Ministry donated candles, he added.
Parking will be available at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., and early arrival is encouraged.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police will be on site for security and traffic control from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Kirby said. Pets and weapons are not allowed.
Iryna Zarutska candlelight vigil
When: 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 2025
Where: East/West Boulevard light rail station, 1821 Camden St.
Parking: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd.
