() As Congress debates crime options in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump used the killing of a Ukrainian refugee in North Carolina to underscore the need for his tough-on-crime agenda.

At least one Republican lawmaker from the state has warned against measures such as deploying troops. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., told NOTUS, “It’ll be a problem” if such steps are taken.

The Aug. 22 stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte has Trump and Republicans across the country pointing to what they call “failed democratic policies,” including so-called “catch-and-release” practices and cashless bail, which they argue allowed suspect Decarlos Brown Jr., who has 14 prior arrests, to remain free.

Trump said the incident highlights the need for a national crackdown on crime.

“The ANIMAL who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a “Quick” (there is no doubt!) Trial, and only awarded THE DEATH PENALTY. There can be no other option!!!” Trump wrote Wednesday on social media.

Dems: Trump doesn’t care about law and order 

Democrats have defended what Trump calls “woke, soft on crime policies.”

Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., said, “It’s hard to believe House Republicans and Donald Trump on this issue when the first thing he did was pardon 1,500 violent offenders on day one of his administration. More than a handful have already reoffended and committed crimes back home. So, it’s hard for us to believe that he actually cares about this issue.”

Dems, GOP ratchet up crime rhetoric

The incident has fueled an escalation of words between the two parties, signaling crime will likely be a key issue in the 2026 midterm elections.

In Charlotte, Democratic Mayor Vi Lyles won her primary election Tuesday night despite criticism over a statement about the suspect, in which she said, “We will never arrest our way out of homelessness or mental health.”

Brown now faces federal charges, and prosecutors say he could face the death penalty or life in prison.