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The family of Iryna Zarutska filed a lawsuit against the City of Charlotte and Professional Security Services for systemic transit failures.

The family of Iryna Zarutska filed a lawsuit against the City of Charlotte and Professional Security Services, alleging that systemic failures in the light-rail system led to the wrongful death of the Ukrainian refugee. The suit claims that the city and the security contractor were aware of recurring violent crime on the Blue Line but failed to provide adequate staffing, fare enforcement, and physical barriers. Attorney Lauren Newton, representing the Zarutska estate, noted that the accused killer, Decarlos Brown Jr., rode the train without paying, and argued that a security guard's presence would have prevented the attack. The lawsuit highlights that while the contract with Professional Security Services provided for 219 security positions and 39 armed guards, the company only had 183 personnel and 11 armed guards at the time of the killing. The City of Charlotte has declined to comment on the active litigation, while the family seeks monetary and punitive damages to ensure future safety improvements for the public transit system.

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