Family sues Charlotte over understaffed light-rail security after Zarutska stabbing

The family of Iryna Zarutska has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the City of Charlotte and security contractor Professional Police Services (PSS), alleging systemic security failures on the Lynx Blue Line that left the system dangerously vulnerable. The suit claims PSS underfunded staffing—charter amendments funded up to 219 personnel for 2025–2026, yet only 183 were employed at the time of Zarutska’s Aug. 22, 2025 stabbing, with just 11 armed guards despite a contract for up to 39 armed personnel—and that fare enforcement and barriers were lacking. The estate seeks more than $25,000 in damages and punitive damages, while the city has not commented on active litigation. The allegations suggest foreseeability of violent crime, though liability has not been determined in court.