The mother of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was murdered by a repeat offender out on no-cash bail in North Carolina, broke down in tears as President Trump recounted the attack during his State of the Union address.
“[Iryna’s killer] stood up and viciously slashed a knife through her neck and body. No one will ever forget, the people on that train. No one will ever forget the expression of terror on Iryna’s face as she looked up at her attacker in the last seconds of her life. She died instantly,” Trump said.
Iryna’s mother, Anna Zarutska, teared up while leaning into comfort provided by a man at her side.
“She had escaped a brutal war only to be slain by a hardened criminal, set free to kill in America,” Trump continued.
“Mrs. Zarutska, tonight I promise you that we will ensure justice for your magnificent daughter, Iryna,” the president assured, to raucous applause.
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Erika Kirk, husband of slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, was sitting beside Anna and appeared to offer words of condolence while the man offered her a handkerchief.
During the emotional moment, Trump called out Democrats, who didn’t appear to rise for the standing ovation with Republicans.
“How do you not stand?” Trump said, gesutring toward Democrats.
Iryna, 22, was fatally stabbed by alleged schizophrenic career criminal Decarlos Brown while riding a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina in August.