“A lunatic just got up and started — it’s right on the tape, not really watchable, because it’s so horrible — but just viciously stabs her. She’s just sitting there. So they’re evil people. We have to be able to handle that. If we don’t handle that, we don’t have a country,” he said.

The attack happened on Aug. 22. Surveillance video of the incident published by the Charlotte Area Transit System over the weekend sparked intense reaction online.

Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, was the victim of the attack. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., allegedly stabbed Zarutska three times, according to court documents. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FATAL STABBING OF UKRAINIAN REFUGEE ON CHARLOTTE’S LIGHT RAIL

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles called the attack a “senseless and tragic loss.”

“My prayers remain with her loved ones as they continue to grieve through an unimaginable time,” the mayor said. “Like so many of you, I’m heartbroken — and I’ve been thinking hard about what safety really looks like in our city. I remain committed to doing all we can to protect our residents and ensure Charlotte is a place where everyone feels safe.”