The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: Only in America Do We Blame Victims Like Iryna Zarutska
Sep 22, 2025
Victor Davis Hanson dives deep into the tragic case of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee murdered in Charlotte. He argues against victim-blaming and questions the inaction of bystanders, highlighting a troubling pattern in urban crime dynamics. The discussion further addresses the disproportionate rates of violent crime among specific demographics and emphasizes the need for an honest dialogue about safety and responsibility in America. Listeners are left to ponder the implications of these societal issues.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Murder Exposed Deeper Social Wounds
- Victor Davis Hanson recounts the brutal murder of Ukrainian immigrant Irina Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail and calls the incident a revealing 'scab' of broader pathologies.
- He emphasizes that the event exposed cultural callousness and failures that contributed to her death.
Rejecting Victim Blame For Safety Failures
- Hanson rejects blaming the victim for lacking "situational awareness" and insists immigrants should expect safety in America.
- He faults public officials for failing to provide basic security and oversight on public transit.
Bystander Callousness In The Video
- Hanson criticizes bystanders who did not assist Zarutska despite noticing the attacker at the scene.
- He argues a small group could have intervened or at least attempted to help during her death throes.