Full Breakdown
Mural Honoring Murdered Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska Removed in Providence
5/13/2026, 6:40:24 AM
Removal of the Mural
A partially finished canvas mural honoring Iryna Zarutska was taken down from the exterior of The Dark Lady, an LGBTQ+ club in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. On a Tuesday, a construction crew lowered the artwork, folded it, and removed it from the site. Artist Ian Gaudreau confirmed the removal after local outrage.
Background and Memorial Funding Initiative
Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was stabbed to death on Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line light rail in an unprovoked attack. Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, faces a federal charge of violence against a railroad carrier and mass-transportation system resulting in death, a capital offense; correctional records list prior convictions for larceny, breaking and entering, and armed robbery. Intercom CEO Eoghan McCabe pledged $500,000 for 50 memorial murals nationwide. By the following day the campaign had raised funds for 300 murals, enlisted 800 artists, and Elon Musk added a $1 million contribution.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Brett Smiley said the mural was divisive and did not represent Providence, urging support for unifying art. Gaudreau said the removal reflected community frustration. McCabe reaffirmed his pledge to honor Zarutska through the mural project. President Donald Trump described the attacker as a deranged monster who had been released on no-cash bail.
Criticism & Opposition
Local residents and officials opposed the mural, leading to the mayor’s removal request. Anthony D’Ellena, chairman of the Narragansett Republican Party, condemned the decision, saying Democrats were trying to erase the memory of their victims, and urged a new mural on a local business. He launched a petition to keep the artwork in Providence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A lot of people voiced their frustrations, and voices were heard, and the work is coming down as a reaction to that,” — Ian Gaudreau, Artist
- “The murder of the individual depicted in this mural was a devastating tragedy, but the misguided, isolating intent of those funding murals like the one across the county is divisive and does not represent Providence,” — Brett Smiley, Mayor of Providence
- “This is exactly what Democrats do — they try to erase the memory of their victims and they don't fix their soft-on-crime policies,” — Anthony D’Ellena, Chairman, Narragansett Republican Party
- “Iryna was riding home on the train when a deranged monster, who had been arrested over a dozen times and was released through no-cash bail, stood up and viciously slashed a knife through her neck and body,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
What’s Next
City officials indicated that the mural may be relocated to a new Providence venue following the controversy.
