Republicans in North Carolina on Wednesday accused Democrats of “siding with criminals” and blamed the murder of a Ukrainian refugee on board a train in Charlotte on “woke” policies.

Since the release of horrific footage of the fatal knife attack on Iryna Zarutska, 23, last Friday, Republicans have blamed “failed Democratic policies” including cashless bail and so-called “catch and release” practices for allowing homeless career criminal Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, to be free on the streets at the time of the Aug. 22 killing.

“Let’s be very clear, crime is a choice, and Democrats have chosen to side with criminals,” Jason Simmons, chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, told a Wednesday press conference.

“What the Democrats call restorative justice looks like Iryna Zarutska’s murder. Iryna Zarutska died because of the Democrat policies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, woke politicians that perpetuate cashless bail and refuse to prioritize public safety over appearances,” said Mecklenburg County Republican Party chairman Kyle Kirby.

He called for immediate policy changes, including cash bail for repeat offenders.

“The time is now to treat criminals like accountable individuals and not entitled persons,” he said, while announcing a candlelit vigil will be held for Zarutska on Sept. 22, marking 30 days since her death, at the East-West Boulevard Station in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood.