DaBaby has unveiled a powerful new video that reimagines him stepping in to save Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska from the tragic stabbing that claimed her life.
The Charlotte-raised rapper dropped visuals for his track “Save Me,” which open with news clips covering the fatal light rail attack.
As the song begins, DaBaby raps from the perspective of a nearby passenger, reflecting on morality, the need for love, and the drive to protect others. Midway through, when an actor portraying suspect Decarlos Brown Jr. rises to stab the actress playing Zarutska, DaBaby intervenes, stopping the attack and symbolically rewriting the outcome.
Watch DaBaby’s “Save Me” video below.
Beneath the “Save Me” video, DaBaby included a link to Iryna Zarutska’s GoFundMe.
Following its release, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) issued a statement clarifying they had no part in the filming. “CATS was not involved in this filming, nor did we grant permission,” the statement read. “This filming was reported last night via the CATS See-Say Application in the CATS-Pass App at which time security responded by escorting them off the vehicle as per the video.”
On Aug. 22, Zarutska was stabbed three times by suspect Decarlos Brown Jr. while on the CATS light rail. She suffered a fatal wound to the neck. Brown was later arrested at the same station where the attack had been reported.
“The brutal attack on Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte Light Rail was a disgraceful act that should never happen in America,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI jumped to assist in this investigation immediately to ensure justice is served and the perpetrator is never released from jail to kill again.”
Brown faces one count of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. If convicted, he could receive life in prison without parole or even the death penalty.
Authorities also revealed Brown had a history of mental illness, including a schizophrenia diagnosis, and had been arrested at least 14 times before on charges ranging from armed robbery to felony larceny.
