Charlotte, January 28, 2026
North Carolina lawmakers are contesting a federal judge’s order limiting access to the criminal file concerning the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train. The House Oversight Committee argues that the order is unconstitutional and obstructs necessary public safety oversight. U.S. Magistrate Judge David Keesler’s protective order has resulted in the postponement of a hearing related to public safety matters, as lawmakers seek clarity on the legal framework restricting information sharing.
Charlotte
Lawmakers Challenge Federal Order Blocking Access to Light Rail Stabbing File
North Carolina lawmakers are challenging a federal judge’s order that restricts their access to an ongoing criminal investigative file. The file pertains to the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train in August of the previous year. Lawmakers assert that the federal order is unconstitutional and hinders their ability to conduct essential oversight into matters of public safety.
State Oversight Committee Raises Concerns
The state House Oversight Committee has voiced significant concerns regarding the federal court order. Republican co-chairs of the committee, Rep. Jake Johnson, Rep. Brenden Jones, and Rep. Harry Warren, had previously sent letters in December, requesting a broad range of documents and data related to public safety in Charlotte. This included “all documents, reports, memos, other written materials” specifically concerning the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska.
Lawmakers emphasize that state law generally mandates the Mecklenburg District Attorney to provide legislators with requested information, even if it is part of an active investigation. However, federal officials are not subject to these same state laws.
Federal Protective Order and its Impact
The federal judge’s order, issued last week by U.S. Magistrate Judge David Keesler, specifically blocks members of the General Assembly from accessing or sharing the criminal investigative file. This protective order was issued in response to motions from the defense lawyers for DeCarlos Brown Jr., the individual charged in Zarutska’s death, and U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson.
DeCarlos Brown Jr. faces both a state murder charge and a federal terrorism charge for causing a death on mass transportation. The defense and U.S. Attorney argued in federal court that the release of this information could potentially prejudice Brown’s defense against the federal charge.
In response to the federal order, a planned hearing by the North Carolina House committee on crime and public safety in Charlotte was postponed. The hearing, which was originally scheduled for this week, has been rescheduled to February 9. Committee leaders are actively seeking clarification on the scope of the federal court order to understand what information they are permitted to discuss publicly.
Lawyers for the House Oversight Co-Chairs clarified their interpretation of the Preliminary Protective Order. They believe it narrowly prohibits disclosing or releasing the Mecklenburg County criminal investigative file that is the subject of the indictment. However, they do not interpret the order to restrict the House Oversight Committee, the General Assembly, or any legislator or staff from discussing facts related to the August 22, 2025 incident that are already in the public domain or obtained through sources other than the criminal investigative file. The oversight committee intends to proceed with the February 9 hearing based on this interpretation.
Broader Context of the Incident
The August 22, 2025, stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) light rail train sparked widespread debate over public safety in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Following the incident, the GOP-controlled General Assembly swiftly passed “Iryna’s Law,” a sweeping criminal justice reform bill. There was also a call by Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Moore for the removal of the state court magistrate judge who had previously released the suspect on a promise to appear for a misdemeanor earlier in the year.
The federal charge against Brown, “violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death,” makes him eligible for the death penalty if convicted. This is not the first time federal judges have issued protective orders in this case. An earlier order, upheld by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell, blocked the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) from releasing law enforcement video and audio recordings to the media. This previous order specifically prohibited the release of all recordings related to the August 22, 2025, events.
The broader tension between state legislative oversight and federal judicial authority in ongoing criminal investigations highlights complex legal and procedural challenges. While states are increasing legislative actions concerning issues like immigration enforcement, the primary responsibility for immigration enforcement remains federal, showcasing ongoing dynamics between state and federal powers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main issue North Carolina lawmakers are challenging?
A: North Carolina lawmakers are challenging a federal judge’s order that restricts their access to an ongoing criminal investigative file concerning the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train.
Q: Who issued the federal order?
A: The federal order was issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge David Keesler.
Q: Why did the federal judge issue the protective order?
A: The protective order was issued in response to motions from the defense lawyers for DeCarlos Brown Jr., the individual charged, and U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, who argued that releasing the information could prejudice Brown’s defense against a federal charge.
Q: What is the criminal investigation related to?
A: The criminal investigation is related to the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train in August of the previous year.
Q: How has this federal order impacted state legislative actions?
A: A planned hearing by the North Carolina House committee on crime and public safety in Charlotte was postponed from this week to February 9, as committee leaders seek clarification on the scope of the federal court order.
Q: What charges does DeCarlos Brown Jr. face?
A: DeCarlos Brown Jr. faces both a state murder charge and a federal terrorism charge for causing a death on mass transportation.
Key Features of the Legal Challenge
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Challenging Body | North Carolina lawmakers, specifically the state House Oversight Committee. | State-level |
| Order Being Challenged | Federal judge’s protective order blocking access to a criminal investigative file. | Nationwide (Federal judiciary) |
| Subject of Investigation | Fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train. | State-level (Charlotte, NC) |
| Reason for Federal Order | Concerns that releasing information could prejudice the defendant’s federal trial. | Nationwide (Federal judicial process) |
| Impact on State Actions | Postponement of a state House committee hearing on Charlotte public safety. | State-level |
| Defendant’s Charges | State murder charge and a federal terrorism charge. | State-level & Nationwide |
| Legal Principles at Play | Conflict between state legislative oversight and federal judicial authority in ongoing criminal cases. | State-level & Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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