Trump blames Democrats for Charlotte stabbing by illegal immigrant

US President Donald Trump on Saturday criticised Democratic leaders, claiming they are "destroying" American cities by being lenient on criminals and undocumented immigrants.

Trump’s remarks followed the arrest of an illegal immigrant charged in a stabbing on a Charlotte light rail Friday. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, "Another stabbing by an Illegal Migrant in Charlotte, North Carolina. What's going on in Charlotte? Democrats are destroying it, like everything else, piece by piece!!!"

Charlotte, a city governed by Democrats, has been the focus of criticism by Trump, who frames the stabbing as part of a broader pattern of rising urban crime under Democratic city leadership. Critics argue that this approach links a single local crime to a national political narrative, raising questions about oversimplification.

33-year-old Oscar Solarzano was arrested in connection with the attack and faces multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury. Bond was not set due to his prior deportation. Police responded to the assault call at approximately 4:49 p.m. Friday and found the victim, Kenyon Kareem-Shemar Dobie, with a stab wound. Court records state that Solarzano allegedly broke into a railroad car "with the intent to commit a felony" and, while intoxicated, challenged Dobie to a fight, shouting "unintelligible and slurred words."

Solarzano was assigned a Spanish interpreter and has several aliases. He is scheduled to appear in court on December 8 and will later be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.

Reacting to the incident, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X, "Apparently, the death of Iryna Zarutska wasn't enough. What is it going to take for @CLTMayor to remove violent criminals off the streets and protect her constituents? The time to act is NOW."