To say that the national conversation over the brutal murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte light rail system has had a ripple effect at all levels of government would be an understatement.

Here in Charlotte, for instance, following public outcry even among some Democrats, the Democrat-controlled City Council is already making moves to increase and broaden security on the light rail.  Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate are also putting forth legislation dealing with, among other things, strengthening transit crime reporting and oversight.

There will also be a House Judiciary Committee – Oversight Subcommittee field hearing in Charlotte next Monday to talk about victims of violent crime, and to shine a harsh spotlight on soft-on-crime policies and repeat offenders. All of this, of course, will help further inform the public ahead of future bills introduced in response to the horrific crime.