CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina judge has ordered Oscar Solarzano, a 33-year-old Honduran man, to be held without bond in connection with a non-fatal stabbing on a Charlotte commuter train that has drawn the attention of national figures due to immigration issues.
Solarzano appeared via video link from jail, showing no visible emotion as the charges against him were read, including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
The stabbing incident occurred during a confrontation between Solarzano and 24-year-old Kenyon Kareem Dobie on the city’s Blue Line train. Dobie confronted Solarzano over his alleged verbal assault against an elderly woman.
In a TikTok video from his hospital room, Dobie stated, I guess it’s better off that it happened to me and not an older person and emphasized his concern for the safety of others, particularly the elderly.
Solarzano, who has been previously deported twice and has a criminal history, was banned from the transit system months before the attack. The local Department of Homeland Security has placed a detainer on Solarzano following this incident.
Following this stabbing, which is not an isolated incident in the city, local officials and community leaders have discussed increasing safety measures. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles assured the public of ongoing efforts to enhance security on the transit system.
Commentary from President Trump indicated a political angle to the incident, with him claiming that it reflects complacency on crime in Democratic-led cities.
The incident raises significant concerns about crime, public safety, and immigration policy in urban areas.
