Two weeks after the tragic murder of 27-year-old Iryna Zarutska, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper faced significant backlash for his response. Instead of offering condolences or addressing public safety concerns, Cooper, who is currently running for the U.S. Senate, issued a statement that many perceived as self-serving.
In his statement, Cooper referred to Zarutska’s murder as a "horrible tragedy" and highlighted his own experience as Attorney General and Governor, emphasizing his commitment to keeping violent criminals behind bars. He then shifted focus to criticize Michael Whatley, his likely Republican opponent, and called for more funding for law enforcement. This political angle did not sit well with many, who felt it was inappropriate to use such a sensitive event for campaign rhetoric.
Critics from both sides of the political spectrum expressed their disapproval. Conservative commentator Will Chamberlain pointed out that Cooper waited two weeks to comment on Zarutska’s murder and then used it to promote his Senate campaign. Others noted that the suspect in Zarutska’s case had a troubling history, having been arrested multiple times without facing significant consequences.
Public outrage intensified as people connected Cooper’s policies to the environment that allowed Zarutska’s killer to remain free. A viral post called attention to Cooper’s establishment of the Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice, which recommended reducing cash bail and implementing leniency in certain cases. Critics argued that these reforms contributed to a system that failed to protect citizens like Zarutska.
The suspect in her murder reportedly had a long history of violent behavior and had been released multiple times despite clear warning signs. Many questioned how Cooper’s leadership and policies may have influenced the justice system’s approach to repeat offenders.
As the fallout continued, social media users and commentators demanded accountability from Cooper. Some even accused him of being partially responsible for the circumstances leading to Zarutska’s death. This incident has sparked a larger conversation about crime, public safety, and the effectiveness of current reforms in North Carolina.
