Republicans Criticize Cooper's Crime Policies Post Light Rail Stabbing

Scrutiny of Roy Cooper's Criminal Justice Record in North Carolina Senate Race

As the race for a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina intensifies, former Governor Roy Cooper’s criminal justice policies are under intense scrutiny. The Republican Party is leveraging recent events to challenge Cooper’s record, aiming to position him as a proponent of leniency that puts public safety at risk.

Cooper, who served two terms as governor, launched his campaign in July to replace outgoing Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC). His bid has drawn immediate opposition from the GOP, with former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley leading the charge. Whatley and other Republicans are using a high-profile crime incident involving an Ukrainian refugee to argue that Cooper’s policies have contributed to increased crime and violence.

The incident involved Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was stabbed to death on a light rail train in Charlotte. The video of the attack has shocked the state and sparked outrage. Decarlos Brown Jr., the accused perpetrator, has a long history of criminal convictions, including armed robbery and assault. Despite being released from prison in 2020 after serving part of a five-year sentence, Brown remained on parole until 2021. Subsequent charges included incidents of mental instability and misuse of emergency services.

Whatley has directly blamed Cooper for Zarutska’s death, citing several criminal justice reforms enacted during Cooper’s tenure. Among these is a 2020 executive order that established a task force to examine criminal justice reforms. This task force later proposed recommendations that were incorporated into a 2021 crime bill, known as Senate Bill 300. The legislation aimed to address systemic issues, including racial equity in policing and the use of body-worn cameras.

Cooper signed off on the most sweeping criminal justice reforms during his time in office, responding to national calls for change following the death of George Floyd. The reforms included expanded training for law enforcement on community policing and minority sensitivity. They also allowed for the immediate release of body camera footage in cases involving serious injury or death. Additionally, the bill provided mechanisms for individuals to address underlying factors such as homelessness or mental illness before facing legal consequences.

Whatley criticized these policies, claiming they created "weak-on-crime" measures that enabled dangerous individuals like Brown to remain free. He pointed to the timing of the executive order in June 2020 and suggested that it allowed Brown to be released from prison shortly thereafter. Whatley further argued that Brown was arrested and released multiple times between 2021 and 2025 due to these policies.

In addition to Senate Bill 300, Cooper signed other legislative measures aimed at reforming the criminal justice system. House Bill 536 required law enforcement officers to report colleagues using excessive force, while House Bill 436 mandated psychological evaluations for police applicants and expanded mental health training for officers.

Cooper defended these measures, stating that the criminal justice system often treats people unequally, with disparities disproportionately affecting communities of color. He emphasized that the legislation aimed to create a more equitable system for all residents of North Carolina.

The Republican Party has rallied behind Whatley’s claims, with statements on social media attributing Zarutska’s death to “dangerous soft-on-crime policies pushed by radical Democrats.” The party has called on Cooper to account for his decisions and their impact on public safety.

Beyond the 2021 reforms, Cooper also signed legislation in 2020 that allowed judges to reduce mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenders. This effort was part of a broader push to address overincarceration and promote rehabilitation. In 2017, he authorized relaxed provisions for expungement of criminal records, and in 2024, he signed legislation to automatically expunge charges resulting in acquittals or dismissals.

Despite the criticism, Cooper’s campaign has not publicly responded to the allegations raised by Republicans. As the Senate race unfolds, the debate over criminal justice policy will likely remain a central issue, shaping public perception and influencing voter decisions.