Authorities said Thomas Paul had a Glock 19 on the Camden Road light rail platform, where Iryna Zarutska was killed and her memorial is located.
A person was shot in Chester County, according to deputies.
Charlotte, North Carolina — A 28-year-old man was charged with possessing a firearm on city property after police allegedly discovered him with a handgun on a CATS light rail platform.
Thomas Eldho Paul was arrested on Sept. 16 and charged with a misdemeanor, according to court documents. Authorities stated Paul was carrying a black Glock 19 9mm pistol at the light rail platform at 1821 Camden Road, which is also where 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was slain and where her memorial is now located.
Paul was initially held on a $5,000 unsecured bond, but he returned in court on September 17 and the judge amended his release terms. The bond was decreased to $2,500 but converted into a secured bond.
As a condition of his parole, Paul is barred from all Charlotte Area Transit System property until September 30, unless directed differently.
His case has been adjourned to November 17 at 9 a.m. in Mecklenburg County District Court.
WCNC Charlotte contacted CATS for a statement regarding the event.
Riders believe these tragedies have changed their perspective on safety and how to defend themselves.
“I personally wouldn’t carry a weapon, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to carry a weapon, but it is your right,” Liam Das, the rider, said.
“I don’t want to bring a weapon aboard the light rail; I’m not sure what I’d do with one. But, at the same time, what would I do if someone tried to hurt me? Another rider, Maya Osaka, inquired.
Others argue that adding more firearms is not the solution.
“Just make sure there are multiple exits and ways to get off.” Try to be around people as much as possible, but I don’t believe that more weapons will lead to less violence,” said rider Andrew Voyles.
The incident has also spurred debate regarding community accountability in crisis situations.
“I think a lot of this comes from people thinking if something does happen, it’s just up to them to stick up for themselves and they can’t rely on the people around them,” according to Osaka.
