Is America Safe? What the Charlotte Train Stabbing of the Ukrainian Refugee Tells Us About U.S. Travel

The United States is one of the most visited countries in the world. From New York to Los Angeles, it draws millions of tourists every year. But behind the skyscrapers, theme parks, and cultural icons, there’s another side that visitors sometimes discover too late: safety is not guaranteed.

The recent stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte light rail train, has brought this reality into sharp focus. Iryna fled war at home in search of peace in the U.S. Yet, she was killed by a man she had never even spoken to. Stories like hers raise a difficult but important question: how safe is America, really?

America’s Safety Paradox

The United States is often described as a land of opportunity. It has cutting-edge technology, world-famous universities, some of the best hospitals, and a cultural influence that stretches across the globe. Visitors arrive expecting to find comfort, convenience, and security in such a developed nation. And in many ways, that expectation is true. You can walk through neighborhoods in places like suburban Texas or Vermont and feel as safe as anywhere in Europe.

But the reality is more complicated. America also struggles with safety issues that catch many outsiders off guard:

Gun violence

It is common knowledge that the U.S. has more guns than people. While most visitors will never encounter a firearm, the frequency of shootings makes headlines around the world. School shootings, mass shootings in public places, and everyday incidents of gun violence create a constant backdrop of anxiety that is unique among developed countries.

Public transit crime

In cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago, there have been well-documented cases of stabbings, robberies, and assaults on buses and trains. For international visitors used to efficient and relatively safe metro systems in places like Singapore, Tokyo, or even much of Europe, this can feel shocking.

Homelessness and untreated mental health issues

Major U.S. cities have visible homelessness crises. Many people living on the streets are battling severe mental health conditions without adequate support. While not every homeless person is dangerous, some incidents, like the Charlotte train stabbing, show how untreated mental illness can spill over into violent encounters.

Uneven policing and community trust

Policing in America is complex. In some areas, there is a heavy presence that makes people feel safer. In others, strained relationships between police and communities mean less cooperation and, at times, slower or less effective responses. This patchwork system leaves gaps that criminals sometimes exploit.

Crime statistics paint an interesting picture

On paper, violent crime has fallen sharply since the 1990s. The U.S. today is statistically safer than it was three decades ago. Yet the distribution of crime is uneven. Cities like St. Louis, Detroit, and Baltimore repeatedly appear near the top of homicide rankings, while countless suburban and rural communities record crime levels lower than parts of Western Europe.

I think that this contrast creates an odd paradox. Visitors may feel perfectly safe walking in small-town America, only to feel uneasy a few hours later in a downtown district of a major city. Based on all that I have personally seen and heard, the experience of safety in the U.S. is not uniform. It depends heavily on where you are, what time it is, and how prepared you are.

For travelers, this means the U.S. can be both one of the safest and one of the most dangerous countries you’ll ever visit, depending on how you navigate it. And I honestly think that is the paradox every person visiting the United States must come to terms with.

What Happened in Charlotte

The murder of Iryna Zarutska is one example of how random violence can strike. Surveillance footage shows her attacker, Decarlos Brown Jr., sitting quietly on the train before suddenly stabbing her. Brown was a homeless man with a criminal record stretching back over a decade and a history of mental health issues.

The interesting thing is that we as travelers often believe danger comes with warning signs. But in America, as this case shows, sometimes violence is sudden and senseless.

My Interview With Malcolm: Why He Left America for Ghana

To put this into perspective, I spoke with Malcolm, an American who now lives in Ghana. His reasons for leaving the U.S. had less to do with economics or opportunity and more to do with safety.

He told me:

“One of the biggest reasons I left America is because I just didn’t feel safe anymore. It’s not only about crime, it’s the constant anxiety. You could be in a grocery store, at school, or even on a train and something could happen. Living in Ghana, I feel a level of peace that I never felt back home.”

Malcolm’s story adds weight to what many Americans themselves are saying: that safety isn’t something you can always count on, even in everyday settings.

(You can watch my full video interview with Malcolm below for his complete perspective.)

 

Julia Weighs In: Singapore vs. America on Safety

After my conversation with Malcolm, I wanted to bring in another perspective from someone who knows both sides of the story. Julia, one of our contributors at Explore With Kojo, is American-Polish and has spent time living and traveling across Asia. She often talks about how Singapore stands out when compared to the United States – especially when it comes to safety.

Julia put it this way:

“When I walk around Singapore, whether it’s late at night in Clarke Quay or early morning in a quiet neighborhood, I never feel like I have to look over my shoulder. That’s something I can’t say about my years in the U.S. Even in safe areas, there’s this constant underlying tension that something could happen.”

She also highlighted some of the key differences that make Singapore remarkably secure:

• Low crime rates. Petty theft is rare, violent crime is almost unheard of, and gun violence is virtually nonexistent thanks to strict regulations.
• Visible but trusted policing. Officers are present, but their role is seen as protective rather than intimidating.
• Community discipline. Everyday rules (from not littering to respecting public order) are widely followed. This eventually creates a culture where safety feels normal.
• Public transport security. Singapore’s MRT is clean and efficient and most importantly safe at almost any hour. This is a yawning contrast to the risks passengers face on U.S. transit systems.

Julia explained that as an American herself, the contrast can feel surreal. “In Singapore, a woman can safely walk alone at night. Parents let kids take the MRT to school without worry. Compare that to the States, where parents hesitate to let children walk to a nearby park. The difference is huge, and it shapes how people live day to day.”

In the video below, Julia sheds more light on the difference between America and Singapore in terms of a ton of things, most notably safety.

Safety Tips for Travelers in the U.S.

I have had the opportunity to live and travel across the world, and one thing I’ve learned is that safety often depends less on luck and more on preparation. America is a fascinating place to visit, but it is also a country of extremes. You can go from a neighborhood that feels safe and calm to one that feels tense and unpredictable in just a few blocks. That is why it is important for travelers to plan ahead and move with awareness.

Here are the safety habits I recommend:

Stay informed about neighborhoods

Every U.S. city has safe areas and risky areas, sometimes separated only by a street or two. Before you book a hotel or Airbnb, research the location. Look at crime maps, check reviews from other travelers, and pay attention to local news. In cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, or Philadelphia, this can make a huge difference in your experience.

Be alert on public transit

Trains and buses are convenient, but they can also be unpredictable. Choose seats near other passengers rather than sitting alone in a quiet car. Avoid riding late at night if possible, and keep your belongings close. Trust your instincts. If someone is making you uncomfortable, move away or get off at the next stop. Small actions like this can prevent bigger problems.

Understand gun culture

Guns are a part of everyday life in the U.S. in a way that shocks many foreigners. You probably won’t see them openly carried in most places, but knowing that firearms are common should shape how you handle conflict. Never escalate an argument with a stranger. If a situation feels heated, walk away quickly. In America, leaving is often the safest choice.

Rely on local advice

When I travel, I always ask people who live there for their perspective. In the U.S., hotel staff, Uber drivers, or friends who know the area can tell you which neighborhoods to avoid, what times are safe to go out, and where to be more cautious. Locals often know more than any guidebook.

Have an emergency plan

Don’t wait until something happens to think about what to do. Share your travel itinerary with a family member or friend. Keep local emergency numbers saved in your phone. Use apps that let someone track your movements if you are heading into unfamiliar areas. It’s a simple step that can provide peace of mind.

Blend in where you can

Tourists sometimes stand out, especially in busy American cities. Keep your valuables out of sight, dress casually, and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Blending in makes you less of a target.

Stay connected

Keep your phone charged, carry a power bank, and know where to find Wi-Fi if you need it. In case of trouble, being able to reach someone quickly is one of your biggest safety tools.

These are the same precautions I follow myself. They don’t mean you need to be afraid of America, but they do mean you are traveling smart. If you prepare well and stay aware, your trip can be just as enjoyable as any other destination in the world.