GoFundMe has removed multiple fundraising campaigns intended to support Decarlos Brown Jr., the individual accused of fatally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light-rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company cited its Terms of Service, which prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of anyone formally charged with a violent crime. A spokesperson confirmed that all campaigns related to Brown's legal defense were taken down shortly after being flagged, and donors received refunds.
The decision to shut down the campaigns came amid significant backlash on social media, where critics condemned the fundraising efforts as disrespectful to Zarutska and her family. Zarutska, 23, was reportedly killed in a random attack on August 22 as she traveled home from work at a local pizzeria. She had fled Ukraine with her family in 2022 to escape the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zarutska was remembered by friends and family for her artistic talents and aspirations of working with animals as a veterinary assistant. Her employers at Zepeddie's Pizza expressed their sorrow over her tragic death and honored her memory in a public statement.
Brown, who faces charges of first-degree murder and is being held without bond, has a lengthy criminal history that includes previous convictions for robbery and larceny. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety on transportation systems in the United States. A verified fundraiser to support Zarutska's family remains active on GoFundMe, contrasting with the removed campaigns for Brown.