Trump singles out suspect in Charlotte stabbing

A violent stabbing on a Charlotte light rail train in North Carolina has drawn attention from former President Donald Trump. Oscar Solarzano, 33, is accused of attacking a man on the train Friday evening. Authorities have charged Solarzano with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury, among other offenses. The victim remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Court documents obtained by WCNC reveal that Solarzano is awaiting bond due to his undocumented status and prior deportation.

On Saturday, Trump addressed the incident on social media, expressing concern over crime linked to undocumented immigrants in Charlotte. He criticized local Democratic leadership, stating that the city is being deteriorated "piece by piece."

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein did not comment on the suspect's status. Instead, he focused on the victim and praised the work of the newly appointed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Estella Patterson, who had assumed her role just hours before the attack. Governor Stein urged the public to pray for the victim's recovery and highlighted ongoing police efforts under Operation Safe Season.

This stabbing marks the second recent violent incident on Charlottes rail system. In August, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed by Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, on a Charlotte Area Transit System train. Brown later faced federal charges for an act of terrorism or other violence against a mass transit system, following state-level felony murder charges.

Recently, North Carolina implemented "Iryna's Law," named after Zarutska. The law removes cashless bail for certain crimes, defines a new category of violent offenses including public transit attacks, expedites capital case appeals to a 24-month limit, and allows for a new method of lethal injection.

Author: Ava Mitchell