Charlotte House Judiciary Field Hearing on Violent Crime: Schedule, Witnesses, and How to Attend
On September 29, 2025, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight will host a field hearing in Charlotte, North Carolina titled “Victims of Violent Crime.” This special session will examine recent violent crimes in Charlotte and the surrounding region, focusing on repeat offenders and lenient pretrial release policies. If you’re tracking the hearing or planning to attend, here’s what you need to know.
Key Details
- Date & Time: Monday, Sept. 29 , 2025 at 10 AM ET.
- Location: Charles R. Jonas Federal Building, Jury Assembly Room (Room 1303), 401 West Trade St., Charlotte, NC. Arrive early due to security screening.
- Purpose: To investigate rising violent crime in Charlotte, focusing on the role of repeat offenders and the impact of bail and pretrial release policies.
Who Will Testify?
The committee expects the following witnesses:
- Mia Alderman – Grandmother of murder victim Mary Santina Collins.
- Steve Federico – Father of murder victim Logan Federico.
- Officer Justin Campbell – Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police officer wounded in a 2024 ambush.
- Michael Woody – Owner of 828 Bail Bonds and North Carolina representative for the National Association of Bail Agents.
Why the Hearing Matters
- Catalyst: The hearing takes place just over a month after Iryna Zarutska, a 23‑year‑old Ukrainian refugee, was stabbed to death on Charlotte’s light rail on Aug. 22. The case ignited national concern and motivated state lawmakers to pass “Iryna’s Law,” a bill tightening pretrial conditions for violent offenders.
- Political context: Subcommittee chair Jeff Van Drew (R‑NJ) said the hearing aims to reveal how “blue cities keep putting career criminals back on our streets.” He called the Zarutska case “the culmination of years of failed liberal policies that put criminals ahead of victims” and said it was “entirely preventable.” The event underscores a broader Republican push to highlight crime policy in Democratic‑run cities.
- Potential outcomes: The hearing will inform national lawmakers about Charlotte’s crime challenges and could influence federal proposals or amplify support for North Carolina’s Iryna’s Law.
How to Attend
- Open to the public: The hearing is open to the public, though seating is limited. Arrive early to ensure a seat.
- Security: All attendees must show a government‑issued ID and pass through TSA‑style security. No phones or smartwatches are allowed; limited lockboxes are available for storage.
- Media: Reporters must RSVP to judiciarypress@mail.house.gov by 4 PM ET on Sept. 28.
- Livestream: Watch the hearing live on the House Judiciary Committee’s official hearing page.
FAQ
What is a congressional field hearing?
A field hearing is an official committee meeting held outside Washington, D.C. It allows lawmakers to hear directly from local residents, experts, and officials on issues affecting their community.
Can I attend the hearing in person?
Yes. Anyone can attend, but seating is limited. Bring a government‑issued ID and leave phones and smartwatches at home.
Why is this hearing in Charlotte?
The Subcommittee on Oversight has held similar hearings in cities like New York and Chicago to explore how local policies affect crime. Charlotte has faced national scrutiny following Zarutska’s murder and the passage of Iryna’s Law.
Who is Jeff Van Drew?
Jeff Van Drew is a Republican congressman from New Jersey who chairs the Subcommittee on Oversight. He initiated the hearing to highlight what he sees as policy failures contributing to violent crime.
What is Iryna’s Law?
“Iryna’s Law” (House Bill 307) is a North Carolina bill that eliminates cashless bail for violent offenses and mandates mental health evaluations for certain defendants.
Background and Context
Charlotte has grappled with increasing violent crime in recent years. The high‑profile killing of Iryna Zarutska prompted state lawmakers to pass a package of reforms known as Iryna’s Law, tightening pretrial release conditions. Supporters argue the law prevents repeat offenders from walking free while they await trial, while critics warn it could limit judicial discretion and raise incarceration rates.
About the Oversight Subcommittee
The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight investigates federal programs and policies for waste, abuse or mismanagement. Chaired by Rep. Jeff Van Drew, it has held field hearings in New York City and Chicago to examine crime and bail reform. The Charlotte hearing brings this national spotlight to North Carolina and provides local residents a forum to share their experiences.
Additional Resources and Links
- Official hearing page – House Judiciary Committee’s event page.
- Related news: Learn more about Iryna’s Law and the Iryna Zarutska case.