Trump Slams North Carolina Senate Candidate Roy Cooper Over Handling of Violent Crime

President Donald Trump on Wednesday attacked North Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Roy Cooper, accusing the governor of mishandling violent criminals and drawing a comparison to former presidential candidate Michael Dukakis. Speaking at a rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, Trump invoked the infamous Willie Horton case from Dukakis's 1988 presidential campaign.

"He was going to win easily, but he allowed a man named Willie Horton out of jail," Trump said, referring to Dukakis. "He ended up losing the race because of that one incident, because he allowed a dirty, rotten killer to come out and rape and kill .. same as what you have over here." Trump then stated that Cooper's actions were "worse, because Dukakis let Willie Horton out, but Cooper let Decarlos Brown out plus 3,500 other hardened and dangerous criminals."

Dukakis's presidential campaign was significantly damaged by his record as Massachusetts governor, particularly the furlough program that led to Horton's release. Horton, a convicted murderer, committed rape and murder while out on a weekend furlough, and his case was famously highlighted in a campaign ad by Republican George H.W. Bush.

Cooper has faced criticism for a 2021 settlement his administration reached with civil rights groups, which led to the release of at least 3,500 inmates. According to reports, over 600 of these individuals were later charged with serious felonies, including homicides and other violent crimes.

One such individual mentioned was Decarlos Brown, who was charged with the August 2025 murder of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, on a Charlotte light rail train. Brown had prior convictions for larceny, breaking and entering, and robbery with a dangerous weapon. While Brown was among those slated for release under the settlement, he had actually been freed from prison months before the settlement took effect.

Trump labeled Cooper a "murderer and criminal protector." He contrasted Cooper with his Republican opponent, Michael Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chairman, urging voters to choose Whatley to "protect and defend your children and your population."

The North Carolina Senate seat is currently held by Republican Thom Tillis, who is retiring. The race between Cooper and Whatley is considered a key contest for the 2026 midterm elections, with RealClearPolitics polling data showing Cooper holding a 7.8 percentage point lead over Whatley.