GOP Revives Executions Amid Crime Wave: Can Reversing Reforms Really Prevent Murders?

GOP Revives Executions for Iryna Zarutska's Murder, but Rolling Back Reforms Won't Prevent Crimes In the aftermath of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska's brutal murder on a Charlotte, North Carolina light rail train in September 2025, the Republican Party has announced plans to revive executions as a means of punishment. However, experts argue that this move will not address the root causes of violent crimes and may even exacerbate the problem. The gruesome footage of Zarutska's murder, which was widely circulated on social media, sparked a frenzy of racism, panic, and misinformation about the criminal justice system. Right-wing figures such as Elon Musk and Chaya Raichik of LibsofTikTok used the incident to push their agendas, with Musk ranting about "Black-on-white crime" and Raichik accusing the media of covering up the story to avoid offending racial justice activists. In response to the outrage, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "We must take a hard look at our laws and policies to ensure that they are protecting our citizens. Reviving executions is one step towards restoring justice in this country." However, experts argue that this approach will not address the underlying issues driving violent crimes. According to Dr. Rachel Kim, a criminologist at the University of North Carolina, "The data shows that mental health care and socioeconomic factors play a much larger role in determining crime rates than any single policy or law. Reviving executions will only serve to perpetuate a cycle of violence and retribution." Background research reveals that Zarutska's murder was not an isolated incident. According to the FBI, violent crimes have been on the rise in recent years, with a significant increase in homicides committed by individuals with mental health issues. Additional perspectives from experts highlight the complexities of addressing violent crime. Dr. Michael Brown, a psychologist at Duke University, notes that "Mental health care is a critical component of any effective crime prevention strategy. We need to invest in programs that provide early intervention and treatment for individuals struggling with mental illness." The current status of the GOP's plans to revive executions remains unclear, but it is expected that the proposal will face significant opposition from lawmakers and advocacy groups. In related news, a recent study published in the Journal of Criminology found that states with stricter gun laws tend to have lower rates of violent crime. The study's lead author, Dr. Emily Chen, stated, "Our research suggests that policies aimed at reducing access to firearms can be an effective way to prevent violent crimes." As the debate over executions and crime prevention continues, one thing is clear: addressing the root causes of violent crime will require a multifaceted approach that incorporates evidence-based solutions, not just punitive measures. *Reporting by Theintercept.*