A violent incident on a Charlotte light rail train has resulted in attempted murder charges against a man confirmed to be in the country illegally. This marks the second major stabbing event on the city's transit system in recent months, raising fresh concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement.

According to Just The News, Oscar Solarzano was arrested following the attack, which occurred late Friday night. The suspect allegedly stabbed a male victim, leaving him with serious injuries that required immediate medical attention.

The victim was discovered by authorities at a location described as "where the train appeared to have stopped between stations," indicating the attack likely happened while the vehicle was in transit. Although the injuries were severe, officials have reported that the victim is currently in stable condition at a local hospital.

Details of the Friday Night Attack

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded swiftly to the scene after reports of the assault were called in. Officers apprehended Solarzano and have since charged him with multiple serious offenses related to the violent encounter.

Beyond the primary charge of attempted first-degree murder, Solarzano faces additional counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Police also charged the 33-year-old suspect with carrying a concealed weapon during the commission of the crime.

Local news outlet WSOC, an ABC affiliate in Charlotte, provided initial coverage of the scene and the victim's status. Their reporting highlighted the disruption to the transit line as investigators worked to process the evidence left behind on the train.

Immigration Status Sparks National Debate

The incident gained national attention after President Donald Trump posted about the case on his social media platform, Truth Social. In his post, the President referred to Solarzano as an "illegal migrant," a claim that prompted further investigation by news organizations.

Newsweek subsequently obtained a Mecklenburg District Court document that verified the President's assertion regarding the suspect's residency status. The court records explicitly state that Solarzano is in the United States illegally and has a history of prior deportation.

This confirmation aligns with the President's ongoing focus on crimes committed by individuals who have entered the country unlawfully. The intersection of local violent crime and federal immigration policy has once again become a focal point for political discourse following this arrest.

Pattern of Violence on Transit System

This stabbing is not an isolated incident for the Charlotte light rail system, which has seen severe violence recently. Just three months prior to Solarzano's arrest, the same transit network was the site of a fatal attack on a refugee.

Decarlos Brown Jr. was charged with first-degree murder in that earlier case, which resulted in the death of Iryna Zarutska. Zarutska was a Ukrainian refugee who had sought safety in the United States before falling victim to violence on public transportation.

The proximity of these two events—both involving serious stabbings on the same light rail system—has alarmed local commuters. Authorities are now facing increased pressure to address security measures to prevent further tragedies on public transit.

Lessons to Learn

1. Remain aware of surroundings when using public transit. While riding on light rail or other mass transit, limit distractions and observe those around you. In emergencies, fast reactions can make a critical difference.

2. Report unusual or threatening behavior immediately. If a fellow passenger appears agitated or dangerous, do not hesitate to alert the train operator, use emergency communication equipment, or call 911. Authorities rely on quick reports to respond in time.

3. Understand that crime can happen to anyone. No level of preparedness can guarantee safety, and victims are never to blame. Community safety is everyone's responsibility, including strong transit oversight and preventive policies by local leaders and transportation authorities.

Why This Story Matters

This story highlights a disturbing trend of repeated violence on Charlotte's public transit system. Incidents like this one affect the safety and trust of everyday commuters who rely on these services. It emphasizes the critical need for meaningful transit security reform and preventative strategies at both local and national levels.

Conclusion

Friday’s stabbing aboard a Charlotte light rail train resulted in serious injuries to a male victim, who is now in stable condition. The suspect, 33-year-old Oscar Solarzano, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and other offenses after authorities revealed he is in the United States illegally and had previously been deported. This incident occurred just three months after another deadly attack on the same rail system claimed the life of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, further intensifying concerns over transit safety and immigration enforcement. As the community grapples with growing anxiety over public safety, officials are under pressure to introduce meaningful reforms to ensure these acts of violence do not become a deadly pattern.