Charlotte, North Carolina, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A U.S. House subcommittee hearing in Charlotte, North Carolina, focused on escalating violent crime concerns. Key testimonies included emotional accounts from victims’ families and law enforcement officials, highlighting frustrations with the judicial system. Lawmakers debated potential reforms regarding policies like cashless bail and police support to address community safety issues.
Charlotte Hosts U.S. House Subcommittee Hearing on Violent Crime
On September 29, 2025, a U.S. House subcommittee hearing addressing violent crime occurred in Charlotte, North Carolina. This session highlighted the escalating concerns surrounding violent crime in the region, particularly following high-profile incidents that have sparked public outcry.
South Carolina Congressman Russell Fry participated actively in the hearing, holding a photograph of Logan Federico, a murder victim. The tragic circumstances surrounding Federico’s death were underscored by the emotional testimony offered by her father, Steve Federico, who shared the harrowing details of his daughter’s murder during a break-in earlier in 2025 in Columbia, SC. The hearing was convened by the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight and lasted approximately two and a half hours.
In light of recent violent incidents, including the stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian war refugee on public transit in Charlotte, the hearing aimed to express growing frustrations regarding the judicial system’s handling of violent crimes. Zarutska’s case has received significant media coverage, prompting demands for more robust oversight of how such cases are managed.
Steve Federico expressed strong feelings about the failures of the South Carolina judicial system in protecting his daughter, promising to raise awareness until changes are made. The hearing featured testimonies emphasizing that the rising levels of violent crime in North and South Carolina are alarming for community safety. Specific policies were debated, with lawmakers pointing to issues such as cashless bail, insufficient police support, and lenient prosecutorial approaches as contributing factors leading to increased violence.
Officer Justin Campbell of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police testified about his devastating experience of being shot by a repeat offender, resulting in the amputation of his leg. Campbell criticized the judicial system, reflecting a sentiment shared among many law enforcement officials who feel frustrated by the repeated release of offenders.
While the hearing had a notable Republican presence, with only two Democratic representatives attending—Deborah Ross and Alma Adams—the political divide was evident. Ross characterized the hearing as “too little, too late,” suggesting the need for an enhancement of preventative measures against crime alongside increased funding for law enforcement agencies.
A crime analyst noted that on a national scale, violent crime rates have seen a decline, with murder rates down 20% as of July 2025. Despite these statistics, the emotional and psychological toll on victims’ families persists, emphasizing the need for immediate actions to address community safety concerns.
Controversially, Representative Norman, currently campaigning for the governorship of South Carolina, displayed photographs of Iryna Zarutska and her attacker, sparking discussion around the broader implications of judicial policies on public safety. Norman argued that ineffective “do-good policies” must be reexamined to ensure serious criminal cases are prosecuted properly.
Throughout the hearing, concerns were raised regarding public safety that resonate across both urban and rural communities. Fry asserted that Americans have an inherent desire to feel secure in their neighborhoods and urged for renewed focus on law enforcement support and the introduction of justice measures that effectively deter crime.
The hearing served as a critical platform for addressing the multifaceted challenges of violent crime and the call for legislative responses to ensure community safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the purpose of the U.S. House subcommittee hearing held in Charlotte?
The hearing aimed to address growing frustrations over violent crime and advocate for legislative responses to improve public safety.
Who participated in the hearing and what issues did they highlight?
South Carolina Congressman Russell Fry participated, holding a photo of Logan Federico, a murder victim. Lawmakers discussed policies they believe contribute to violence, highlighting issues such as cashless bail and lack of police support.
What impact did the murder of Iryna Zarutska have on the hearing?
The fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska drew significant media attention and led to calls for greater scrutiny of the judicial system, emphasizing the need to address violent crime issues in the region.
What did Steve Federico express about his daughter’s murder?
Steve Federico stated that South Carolina failed his daughter Logan, and he is committed to advocating for changes until the judicial processes are fixed.
How many representatives attended the hearing from each political party?
Only two Democrats attended the hearing compared to 18 Republican representatives.
Key Features of the Hearing
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 29, 2025 |
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Participants | Russell Fry, Steve Federico, Officer Justin Campbell, multiple lawmakers |
| Key Issues Discussed | Violent crime policies, cashless bail, police support, judicial leniency |
| Attendance | 18 Republicans, 2 Democrats |
| Notable Testimonies | Steve Federico’s account of Logan Federico’s murder, Officer Campbell’s experience with repeat offenders |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
House Hearing Addresses Violent Crime in Charlotte
Congressional Hearing in Charlotte Addresses Crime and Safety
Charlotte Leaders Reject National Guard Assistance Amid Rising Crime
North Carolina Passes Iryna’s Law to Combat Violent Crime
Vice President JD Vance to Address Public Safety in Concord
Iryna’s Law Introduced in Response to Tragic Stabbing
North Carolina Introduces ‘Iryna’s Law’ After Tragic Stabbing
Charlotte Community Mourning as 4-Year-Old Boy is Fatally Shot
Four Men Charged with Murder of 4-Year-Old in Charlotte
Charlotte Sees Two Separate Shootings Resulting in Fatalities
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today
- Post and Courier
- Spectrum Local News
- QC News
- WLTX
- Wikipedia: Violent Crime
- Google Search: Violent Crime North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Violent Crime Policies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Charlotte Violent Crime Hearing
Author: HERE Charlotte
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