David Rouzer, a U.S. representative, said that a state audit reveals significant security failures within the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), including a reduction in armed guards and requirements for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) contracts. He urged for policy changes to enhance rider safety. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“A preliminary report released by the North Carolina State Auditor uncovered major security failures in the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) following Iryna Zarutska’s murder,” said David Cheston Rouzer, U.S. Representative from North Carolina. “The findings are inexcusable: the number of armed security personnel has decreased by at least 40% since 2018 and DEI requirements have been placed in all security contracts. These policies must be reversed, and adequate rider safety must be restored.”
According to North Carolina’s State Auditor, a Rapid Response Preliminary Special Report was issued on September 30, 2025. The report was initiated following the August 22 killing of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail system. It examines CATS’ private security contracting practices, the data used to monitor safety, and the budget allocated for safety and security measures. The report clarifies that its findings are preliminary and not part of a full audit; a comprehensive report is expected later. The document outlines the system’s scope, which includes local and regional buses, two rail lines, and paratransit services within the Charlotte–Mecklenburg area.
The audit traces CATS’ contracting history from a 2018 agreement with G4S (later Allied Universal) to separate Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in 2022 for armed and unarmed services. These were aimed at firms certified by Charlotte Business Inclusion for unarmed services. Following awards in 2023 to SSC (for armed services) and PSS (for unarmed services), SSC’s contract was canceled in 2024, leading to an amendment of PSS’s contract to cover both armed and unarmed services. The report expresses concerns about competition and scope changes linked to inclusion requirements.
The amended contract for 2025–2026 provides funding for 219 security personnel but permits only up to 39 armed individuals—comprising six armed guards, 26 state-certified police officers, six sergeants, and one captain. Compared with previous staffing under G4S, this marks at least a 40% reduction in armed personnel, deemed insufficient to staff all 48 rail cars simultaneously. These figures support calls for refocusing security efforts on protecting riders.
Rouzer represents North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District and is currently serving his sixth term. He is a member of the House Agriculture Committee as well as the Science, Space, and Technology Committees. Additionally, he chairs the Highways and Transit Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure while also serving on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials committees. His areas of focus include transportation safety, coastal resilience initiatives, and enhancing agricultural competitiveness.
