Roy Cooper’s Dangerous Legacy: The Consequences of Soft-on-Crime Policies
Roy Cooper’s record as North Carolina’s former governor reveals a troubling truth: his policies fostered an environment where violent criminals are set free to prey on innocent lives. Under his watch, dangerous offenders were released due to the leniency of judges he handpicked, culminating in the tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska.
Despite Cooper’s attempts to deflect blame, the facts are clear. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, a candidate for the Senate seat, has pointed out Cooper’s role in promoting pro-criminal policies that prioritize the rights of offenders over the safety of North Carolinians. “As Governor, Cooper pushed cashless bail and pretrial release through his pro-criminal task force and stacked the courts with far-left judges,” Whatley asserted. This relentless focus on so-called “equity” has paved the way for escalating violence in our communities.
Cooper’s so-called “racial equity” task force has not improved public safety—it’s exacerbated it. His administration has advocated for the release of violent offenders under the guise of progressivism while families are left to mourn the devastating consequences. For example, Cooper appointed Judge Roy Wiggins, who allowed serial offender Decarlos Brown to walk free after 14 arrests. Brown tragically went on to murder Iryna Zarutska shortly after his release.
Rep. Mark Harris and the entire Republican delegation have rightly called for accountability, demanding the removal of the magistrate responsible for such leniency. Cooper’s refusal to take responsibility and his dismissive attitude towards those highlighting these failures underscore his disconnect from the realities facing North Carolinians.
Cooper’s leniency extends to a pattern of appointing judges with a reputation for downplaying serious crimes. In a recent case, Judge Kendra Montgomery-Blinn, appointed by Cooper, oversaw the release of Shyrone Evans, a felon with numerous charges. Evans was released just prior to killing Jermaine Clement in a horrific incident. The message is clear: Cooper’s judicial appointments do not prioritize public safety.
From judges releasing rapists to murderers back into society, Cooper’s record is one of failure. Conservative voices across the nation are raising awareness about the catastrophic consequences of such policies. Families like that of Logan Federico, whose son was gunned down by a repeat offender, are rightly outraged. “How good are we doing for our family? He should have been in jail for over 140 years for all the crimes he committed,” Federico stated, highlighting the grave misjudgments inherent in Cooper’s approach.
The people of North Carolina deserve a justice system that places their safety first—something Cooper’s administration has clearly failed to deliver. It’s time for accountability, clarity, and a recommitment to the rule of law.
