Karoline Leavitt, the Trump Administration press secretary, recently condemned parts of the US public transportation system as “more dangerous than the active war zone” in Ukraine. This statement arose following the brutal murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train on August 22, 2025.
Zarutska was fatally stabbed by Decarlos Brown Jr., a man with at least 14 prior arrests, including convictions on serious charges. The killing has stirred intense debate over transit safety and justice system failures, with Leavitt blaming Democratic “cashless bail” policies for releasing dangerous criminals. President Donald Trump doubled down on this narrative, calling for stronger federal action on crime and labeling Brown “evil” and a “career criminal.”
To grasp the scale of the insecurity faced abroad, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that by July 31, 2025, there were over 49,000 civilian casualties in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. This includes approximately 13,883 killed and 35,548 injured civilians, with the real numbers believed to be higher due to limited access in conflict zones.
Among these were over 700 children killed and nearly 1,000 injured, many in repeated missile strikes and drone attacks on populated urban centers. In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 6,700 civilians were killed or injured, representing a sharp increase compared to previous years, driven largely by long-range missile attacks and drone strikes predominantly targeting residential and commercial areas.
A: Transit homicides constitute about 0.12% of total U.S. homicides annually, indicating they are relatively rare but often receive amplified public attention due to their location and context.
Q: Has assault on transit increased?
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A: Yes, assaults have risen significantly over the past decade, more than doubling from around 900 incidents in 2015 to over 2,100 in 2023.
Zarutska was fatally stabbed by Decarlos Brown Jr., a man with at least 14 prior arrests, including convictions on serious charges. The killing has stirred intense debate over transit safety and justice system failures, with Leavitt blaming Democratic “cashless bail” policies for releasing dangerous criminals. President Donald Trump doubled down on this narrative, calling for stronger federal action on crime and labeling Brown “evil” and a “career criminal.”
The crime reality on US public transportation
Data compiled by the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) and specific transit agencies offers insights into the nature and frequency of serious crimes on transit networks.Homicides
- In 2024, there were 46 reported homicides on or involving transit systems nationwide, a marked increase from previous years (34 in 2023, 50 in 2022).
- Most homicides occurred on motor bus and light rail modes with buses accounting for 16 lethal incidents and light rail 11. Heavy rail had 19. While numbers are alarming, transit homicides represent roughly 0.12% of total US homicides annually, indicating a relative rarity but undeniable impact on public perceptions.
Assaults
- Assault reports have surged over the past decade, and 2024 saw 2,190 incidents, the highest on record since comprehensive BTS data collection began. Buses contribute the majority with 915 assaults, followed by heavy rail (916) and light rail (317).
- However, some transit systems show progress. Washington D.C.’s Metro reported a decrease from 6.5 to 3.7 assaults per million passenger trips between FY2024 and FY2025, credited largely to increased policing and mental health crisis units.
Robberies and Thefts
- Robberies on transit remained significant though stable, with 120 in 2024. Buses see the most robberies (18), followed by light rail (50) and heavy rail (44).
- Theft incidents are low in reported major crimes due to reporting thresholds but remain an ongoing nuisance affecting rider experience.
Other Crimes
- Vandalism, suspicious packages, and other security events occur less frequently but add to operational complexity and perceptions of safety.
To grasp the scale of the insecurity faced abroad, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that by July 31, 2025, there were over 49,000 civilian casualties in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. This includes approximately 13,883 killed and 35,548 injured civilians, with the real numbers believed to be higher due to limited access in conflict zones.
Among these were over 700 children killed and nearly 1,000 injured, many in repeated missile strikes and drone attacks on populated urban centers. In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 6,700 civilians were killed or injured, representing a sharp increase compared to previous years, driven largely by long-range missile attacks and drone strikes predominantly targeting residential and commercial areas.
FAQs
Q: How do transit homicides compare to overall U.S. homicide rates?A: Transit homicides constitute about 0.12% of total U.S. homicides annually, indicating they are relatively rare but often receive amplified public attention due to their location and context.
Q: Has assault on transit increased?
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