Wikipedia editors move to delete viral murder story amid media blackout
Wikipedia editors have nominated for deletion a viral story about a Black-on-White murder after mainstream media refused to report it.
On August 22nd, Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska boarded the light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina. During the ride, she was stabbed multiple times by Decarlos Brown, Jr., a serial criminal who sat behind her. Video footage released on Friday shows that the two had no interaction before Brown suddenly attacked the 23-year-old woman.
The story was subjected to a media blackout. Many speculate this is because Brown is Black and Zarutska was White, which challenges mainstream media racial narratives. The incident was not reported by CNN, MSNBC, NBC News, The Associated Press, Reuters, or The New York Times.
Not newsworthy enough
Now, a Wikipedia article on the murder faces removal by editors. The entry was first nominated for deletion by an editor with the username Tbhotch, who suggested the story falls under Wikipedia’s “not news” policy. An argument broke out, with some editors arguing to keep the entry while others are claiming the story lacks “notability.”
“There is zero indication that this specific article is anywhere near gaining the requirements for [a news event],” wrote one user. Others who argued for the article’s deletion pointed to the lack of mainstream news coverage as evidence that the story does not meet Wikipedia’s criteria for newsworthiness.
The article does not mention Brown’s name.
Media blackout despite international attention
Although the murder was not reported by American legacy media, it has gained international attention. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported being “in constant contact” with investigators, and President Donald Trump promised to look into the “horrible” incident.
"I'll know all about it by tomorrow," Trump told a reporter on Sunday.
The story was reported by local news stations and international media outlets like The Telegraph and BBC.
