Mecklenburg County GOP says that money should go towards closing off light rail platforms or having an officer on every train.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Charlotte City Councilย is facing backlash from Republican leadersย after approving $3.4 million for a public relations campaign to encourage public transit ridership, with critics arguing the funds should prioritize safety following two stabbing incidents on the light rail within four months.
Councilmembers said the recent incidents have impacted the perception of safety in the city, which in turn affects actual safety. They have requested a security update from the Charlotte Area Transit System, which is expected this week.
However, Republican leaders say the response is insufficient.
“What on earth are we doing with the taxpayers’ money if we’re not protecting them first and foremost?” said Mecklenburg County GOP Chairman Kyle Kirby. “It’s like the City Council wants to just pull the wool over everyone’s eyes and act like none of these horrific crimes are happening.”
The $3.4 million PR contract was approved as part of the council’s consent agenda, meaning it passed without extensive discussion. The only clarification added was that the contract and CATS operations will transfer to the new Metropolitan Public Transit Authority in January. The PR campaign was one of several CATS contracts approved, most of which focused on maintenance.
Councilmember Dimple Ajmera acknowledged two aspects to public safety that must be addressed.
“One is perception, and one is reality. We got to ensure that we address the reality head-on, and that will help with perception,” Ajmera said. ย “It was just approved, so we’ll see more, and the transit authority will certainly have further discussions on that.”
Ajmera brought up multiple concerns about the incident at Monday night’s meeting and doubled down on the need for updates on CATS security. She says she wants people to know the city council is taking this seriously.ย
“The suspect and victim did not know each other, and that raises a serious concern about public safety, because random acts of violence create fear, and it’s our responsibility to address that fear head-on,” Ajmera told WCNC Charlotte. “We will be asking for clear answers, data and timelines. Charlotte residents deserve transparency and action when it comes to public safety.”
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority was unavailable for an interview, but said safety is a common question for events. However, no events have been cancelled at any of their venues due to safety concerns.
While all parties agree security is the main priority, Kirby said every available dollar should address safety first.
“That could get us a police officer on every railcar, that could get us fencing around the platforms to ensure people that are not ticketed don’t get in there,” Kirby said. “It could have prevented the death of Iryna Zarutska, and it could have prevented the stabbing that just occurred.”
The issue is also drawing attention from Republican lawmakers at the U.S. Capitol.
“It is outrageous that rather than fixing the problem of violent crime that is literally killing people, the Charlotte City Council wants to spend $3.4 million on public relations consultants,” said Congressman Ralph Norman, who represents parts of the Charlotte area over the South Carolina border. “What a slap in the face to law enforcement and the taxpayers of Charlotte. I have already called on the mayor to resign, and it might be time for the city council to follow suit.”
CATS shared its integrated security plan document with WCNC Charlotte on Dec. 10, 2025, along with a letter from interim CEO Brent Cagle discussing known information about the recent stabbing in an FAQ format.
Here is the integrated security plan:
Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.
