Charlotte, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The North Carolina State Auditor’s Office has found a significant drop in armed security staff for the Charlotte Area Transit System, coming after a tragic incident that led to a murder charge. Despite an increase in security spending, the number of armed security officers has decreased by over 40%. Concerns have been raised about the firm managing security, particularly regarding diversity practices in hiring. Ongoing investigations may affect future security protocols at CATS.
Charlotte
The North Carolina State Auditor’s Office has released preliminary audit findings revealing a significant decline in the number of armed security personnel for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), following a tragic stabbing incident that left a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee dead. Iryna Zarutska was stabbed on the LYNX Blue Line on August 22, 2025, leading to the fatal charges against DeCarlos Brown Jr. for first-degree murder and a federal transit crime.
The audit indicates that the number of armed security personnel at CATS has plummeted by at least 40%, from between 68 and 88 officers in 2018 to just 39 in 2025. Concurrently, the financial investments in CATS security have surged, jumping from $5.9 million in 2022 to a projected $18.4 million in 2025, despite having fewer armed officers on the ground.
Concerns have been raised regarding CATS’ adherence to diversity hiring practices, specifically highlighting questions around the selection process of security contractors. The report pointed out that transitioning from two security firms to a single entity, Professional Security Services (PSS), has resulted in fewer armed personnel available to manage security effectively. At the time of Zarutska’s stabbing, PSS had failed to fill 33 of the 219 authorized security roles.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles defended the city’s contracting practices, expressing disagreement with the audit’s conclusions regarding the qualifications of PSS. The report also mentioned that the city’s proposal request in 2022 was focused solely on businesses linked to an inclusion program aimed at promoting diversity in contracting.
Moreover, the contract with PSS was modified in December 2024, although there was no indication that a new competitive procurement process was implemented before these changes. State Auditor Dave Boliek emphasized the necessity of prioritizing safety for Charlotte residents over political implications in the selection of security firms.
The audit further revealed concerning statistics from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), which classified the crime rate against CATS riders as three times the national average. Following the tragic incident, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has increased its presence along the Blue Line to bolster safety.
In addition to the State Auditor’s inquiry, several other ongoing investigations are looking into CATS, including those from the FTA and the FBI. Amid the scrutiny, Mayor Lyles articulated apprehensions about the tight deadlines set by the auditor’s office for responses to the report’s findings.
A press conference originally scheduled for Wednesday to address CATS security matters has been postponed to Friday, following the release of the audit.
Key Findings and Statistics
- Decrease of armed security personnel from 68-88 in 2018 to 39 in 2025
- Increase in security spending from $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million projected for 2025
- CATS crime rate classified as three times the national average by FTA
- PSS filled only 186 of the 219 authorized security roles at the time of the incident
Next Steps
The audit findings, along with ongoing investigations, will likely shape how CATS addresses its security protocols and staffing in the future.
FAQs
Why was the audit conducted?
The audit was prompted by a fatal stabbing incident involving 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on the LYNX Blue Line on August 22, 2025.
What were the audit findings regarding armed security personnel?
The audit indicated that CATS’ number of armed security personnel decreased from between 68 and 88 in 2018 to 39 in 2025, a reduction of at least 40%.
How has CATS security spending changed over the years?
Despite reduced personnel, spending on CATS security increased from $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million projected for 2025.
What concerns were raised regarding diversity hiring practices?
The report raises concerns over CATS’ adherence to diversity hiring practices, specifically questioning the use of diversity rules in selecting security contractors.
What are the next steps following the audit?
Multiple ongoing investigations into CATS, including inquiries from other agencies such as the Federal Transit Administration and the FBI, continue to unfold.
Chart: Key Features of CATS Security Audit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Decrease in Armed Personnel | From 68-88 in 2018 to 39 in 2025 |
| Increase in Security Spending | From $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million in 2025 |
| Crime Rate Classification | Three times the national average according to FTA |
| PSS Staffing | 186 of 219 authorized security roles filled at the time of the incident |
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Additional Resources
Author: HERE Charlotte
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