Charlotte, December 27, 2025
Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, a twice-deported Honduran national, has been charged by federal authorities for his alleged role in a stabbing incident on a Charlotte light rail train. The assault occurred on December 5, resulting in serious injuries to the victim, Kenyon Dobie. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety on the Charlotte Area Transit System, prompting North Carolina House Republicans to seek extensive records related to violent crime on public transportation.
Charlotte
Federal authorities have formally charged a twice-deported Honduran national, Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, 33, in connection with the December 5, 2025, stabbing incident aboard a Charlotte light rail train. Solorzano-Garcia faces federal counts of illegal reentry by a removed alien and committing an act of violence on a mass transportation system. This development follows a recent push by North Carolina House Republicans, who on December 19, 2025, demanded extensive records from Charlotte officials concerning violent crime and public safety on the transit system, citing this incident and a fatal stabbing from August. The victim in the December 5th incident, Kenyon Kareem-Shemar Dobie, 24, sustained serious injuries and severe lacerations to the chest but was later released from the hospital and subsequently arrested on unrelated charges.
Recent Developments and Legal Actions
Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia was apprehended shortly after the December 5th altercation, which occurred just before 5 p.m. on a Blue Line train in north Charlotte, specifically in the 1800 block of North Brevard Street. Initial state charges against him included attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Federal authorities later confirmed Solorzano-Garcia’s history as a twice-deported individual with a violent criminal record, leading to the additional federal charges. He was ordered to remain in jail without bond following his initial court appearance. Police incident records indicate the attacker used a knife and fled the scene immediately after stabbing Dobie. Newly released 911 audio from the incident captures the frantic efforts of passengers to assist the victim and contact emergency services, with police and emergency responders arriving moments later at the Lynx Blue Line station.
The December 5th stabbing has reignited discussions surrounding public safety on the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). North Carolina House Republicans have amplified these concerns, sending letters on December 19 to key Charlotte and Mecklenburg County officials, including the Mayor, City Manager, Police Chief, County Sheriff, and CATS interim CEO. These letters request five years of documents and data related to crime, law enforcement staffing, diversity initiatives, and cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The legislators expressed concern that the city might be prioritizing “ideological initiatives” over public safety, specifically referencing both the August and December light rail stabbings. They have given officials until January 8, 2026, to produce the requested materials.
Background: August Light Rail Fatality
The December 5th incident marks the second prominent stabbing on Charlotte’s light rail system within four months, following the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on August 22, 2025. Zarutska was tragically killed on a Blue Line train in South End, near 1821 Camden Road, in what appeared to be a random attack. The suspect in that case, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, a U.S. citizen, had a long history of criminal charges and psychiatric crises and had served time in prison. Brown was arrested at the scene and faces state charges of first-degree murder, as well as federal charges of violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death. This earlier incident also drew national attention and sparked debate about public safety and the criminal justice system, especially concerning individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds and mental health issues. Brown appeared in federal court on December 11, 2025, for the first time on the federal indictment.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
These two high-profile stabbing incidents have significantly heightened public safety concerns regarding the Charlotte light rail system. The incidents have led to increased scrutiny of transit security measures, law enforcement presence, and the handling of individuals with criminal histories, including those with undocumented immigration status. Discussions initiated by political leaders, including those at the Nationwide level, have touched upon immigration enforcement policies and the broader implications for public safety when individuals with violent criminal records and prior deportations reenter the country illegally. Local and State-level officials are under pressure to demonstrate effective strategies for ensuring the safety of transit users and the wider community. The inquiries from North Carolina lawmakers underscore the ongoing debate about balancing various city initiatives with the fundamental responsibility of maintaining public order and security on public transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recent developments regarding the December 5th Charlotte light rail stabbing?
Federal authorities have charged Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, 33, a twice-deported Honduran national, with illegal reentry by a removed alien and committing an act of violence on a mass transportation system. North Carolina House Republicans also demanded records from Charlotte officials on December 19, 2025, concerning violent crime on the transit system.
Who is the suspect in the December 5th stabbing and what is their background?
The suspect is Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, 33, a Honduran national. He has been identified as a twice-deported illegal immigrant with a violent criminal record.
What charges does Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia face?
Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia faces federal charges of illegal reentry by a removed alien and committing an act of violence on a mass transportation system. He also faces state charges of attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
Who was the victim in the December 5th stabbing and what was their condition?
The victim was Kenyon Kareem-Shemar Dobie, 24. He sustained serious injuries and severe lacerations to the chest but was later released from the hospital and subsequently arrested on unrelated charges.
What happened in the earlier Charlotte light rail stabbing on August 22, 2025?
On August 22, 2025, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed on a Blue Line train. The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, a U.S. citizen with a history of criminal charges and psychiatric crises, was charged with first-degree murder and federal charges of violence against a mass transportation system resulting in death.
What are North Carolina lawmakers requesting from Charlotte officials?
On December 19, 2025, North Carolina House Republicans demanded five years of documents and data from Charlotte and Mecklenburg County officials related to crime, law enforcement staffing, diversity initiatives, and cooperation with federal immigration authorities, citing concerns about public safety on the transit system.
Key Features of Charlotte Light Rail Stabbings
| Feature | December 5, 2025 Stabbing | August 22, 2025 Stabbing |
|---|---|---|
| Victim | Kenyon Kareem-Shemar Dobie, 24 | Iryna Zarutska, 23 (Ukrainian refugee) |
| Victim Outcome | Serious injuries, released from hospital, arrested on separate charges | Fatal stabbing |
| Suspect | Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, 33 (Honduran national) | Decarlos Brown Jr., 34 (U.S. citizen) |
| Suspect Status | Twice-deported illegal immigrant, violent criminal record | Long record of criminal charges and psychiatric crises, served prison time |
| Charges (State) | Attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon | First-degree murder |
| Charges (Federal) | Illegal reentry by a removed alien, act of violence on mass transportation system | Violence against railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death |
| Nature of Incident | Altercation between two individuals that escalated | Apparently random attack |
| Location | Blue Line train, north Charlotte (1800 N Brevard Street) | Blue Line train, South End (1821 Camden Road) |
| Date | December 5, 2025 | August 22, 2025 |
| Latest Developments | North Carolina House Republicans demanded records from Charlotte officials regarding this and the August stabbing on December 19, 2025. | Decarlos Brown appeared in federal court on December 11, 2025. |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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