The mayor of Providence has called for the removal of an unfinished mural honoring Iryna Zarutska, calling the outside funding and intent behind the tribute "misguided" and "divisive." The mural, painted on the exterior of The Dark Lady nightclub, was begun by artist Ian Gaudreau, who says the work is not political. Elon Musk pledged $1 million for memorials for Zarutska in a September 2025 post on X. Zarutska was a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail; the accused faces federal charges that can carry the death penalty.
Providence Mayor Requests Removal Of Unfinished Mural Honoring Iryna Zarutska, Calls Funding 'Misguided' And 'Divisive'
Providence mayor calls for removal of Iryna Zarutska mural, says intent is 'divisive,' 'misguided'
The mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, has asked that an unfinished mural honoring Iryna Zarutska — a Ukrainian refugee whose killing on a Charlotte light rail drew national attention — be removed. The mural is being painted on the exterior of The Dark Lady, an LGBTQ+ club in downtown Providence, and remains incomplete, WJAR-TV reported.
Mayor's Statement
A memorial dedicated to Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, N.C. A mural honoring Zarutska in Providence, R.I., should be taken down, the blue city's Dem mayor says.(Getty Images)
“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,” Mayor Brett Smiley said in a statement. He added that city leaders “encourage our community to support local artists whose work brings us closer together rather than divide us.”
Artist And Backing
Artist Ian Gaudreau, who began work on the piece last week, told reporters he did not intend the mural to be political. The project drew wider attention after Elon Musk said in a September 2025 post on X that he would donate $1 million toward memorials for Zarutska.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks on the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska aboard a North Carolina train during a press briefing, Sept. 9, 2025, at the White House in Washington, D.C.
What Happened To Iryna Zarutska
Iryna Zarutska, 23, who had fled Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, was fatally stabbed in an apparently unprovoked attack last year while riding the Lynx Blue Line light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina. The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, faces federal charges including violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death — charges that can carry the death penalty under federal law.
Iryna Zarutska curls up in fear as a man looms over her during a disturbing attack on a Charlotte, N.C., light rail train last year.
Public records show Brown has a prior criminal history that includes convictions for larceny, breaking and entering, and armed robbery, and that he served a five-year prison term beginning in 2015.
Political And Community Reaction
Zarutska’s killing has reignited debate over criminal justice policy and bail practices in U.S. cities. National political figures referenced the case during recent remarks, and local discussions in Providence have focused on whether public memorials funded from outside the community should be displayed, particularly when they become politically charged.
The unfinished mural has prompted local debate about public art, private funding, and the role of memorials in civic spaces. Smiley’s office did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment.
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