There May Be Hope Yet for That Iryna Zarutska Mural in Providence, RI – RedState
As RedState reported Tuesday, so-called “tolerant” Democrats in Providence, Rhode Island, completely fell apart after learning about the mural that was being painted on the side of one of its buildings in honor of Iryna Zarutska.
The 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee was murdered in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the streetcar last August in a horrific stabbing that was caught on camera. The suspect in his murder is DeCarlos Brown, Jr., a 34-year-old violent repeat offender, and his case has become a flashpoint in the national debate over violent crime in America, with President Trump promising him justice during his State of the Union address, attended by his mother, Anna.
Murals have been painted in cities across America in tribute to Iryna and to keep her memory alive. But Providence’s woke Democratic Mayor Brett Smiley called it “divisive,” in part because Elon Musk helped fund it, and urged the LGBTQ club Dark Lady to remove it.
LEARN MORE: Intolerance in Providence: Woke Backlash Hits LGBTQ Club Honoring Iryna Zarutska: Here’s How It Unfolded
As we also reported, the club’s owners ultimately bent the knee to the crowd and the mayor after initially trying to reassure the community that they were loyal Democrats who did not support Trump but wanted to honor Zarutska’s life.
“We heard you, PVD. We are deeply and sincerely sorry for everything that happened last week,” they wrote in a follow-up message. “After reflection and learning, we have made the decision to discontinue this project and will proceed with its withdrawal as soon as possible.”
For the people who supported the painting of the mural and what it symbolized, that wasn’t enough – the artist also spoke in favor of keeping the mural there or perhaps moving it elsewhere:
Petition to save the fresco. We are also looking for a new wall to accommodate the mural. Please DM is leading the search to host it in downtown Providence, but we are also open in Boston. The wall must be at least 45 feet high and at least 37 feet wide.https://t.co/sHX2clmWr4
– Ian M Gaudreau (@IanGaudrea30195) April 1, 2026
Will the Dark Lady mural commemorating murdered Ukrainian immigrant Iryna Zarutska find a new home after the Dark Lady’s owners said they wanted to remove it? The artist told me he wanted to finish his project, @JessicaforRI says she will facilitate and RI GOP members have a petition in progress pic.twitter.com/D3MJ9Vt0D1
– journalistnicolem (@reporternicolem) April 1, 2026
JessicaforRI is Republican Jessica de la Cruz, Senate Minority Leader from Rhode Island. She also urges people to call the mayor’s office to express their displeasure with public pressure to have the mural removed:
“The First Amendment is first for a reason. When the government interferes with free speech, it’s not a minor infraction, it’s a serious matter. Call the mayor’s office today and ask them to apologize for infringing on the First Amendment rights of an artist and business.”
Take 1 minute today to protect the First Amendment.
An artist and a private company exhibited an elegant and tasteful memorial/mural – Mayor Smiley objected.
The First Amendment is first for a reason. When the government interferes with free speech, it’s not a minor infraction, it’s… pic.twitter.com/vMoOmWA1xG
– Senator Jessica de la Cruz (@JessicaforRI) April 1, 2026
WPRO radio host Tara Granahan also posted an encouraging update, noting that there is a business owner who might be willing to work with the artist, presumably to move the mural:
YES, this morning I called someone to intervene, 🚨and we have a potential Entrepreneur who could work with the artist… @iangaudreau — thank you to all the media that followed. 😉
We have the last one tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. @wpro https://t.co/eSzIWLIB71– taragranahanradio (@taragranahan1) April 1, 2026
I hope they keep up the pressure until the full version of this mural can see the light of day. Because if leftist-inspired murals like those of George Floyd can be installed in Providence, Iryna Zarutska surely deserves one:
The portrait of an innocent murder victim? Suddenly it is divisive and needs to be erased.
Same condition. Same creative capital. Same rules for private property, except this time the victim doesn’t fit the approved political narrative.
This is not about art. This is selective outrage pic.twitter.com/ixbiPU8XFC– RI Republican Party (@RhodeIslandGOP) April 1, 2026
Ashamed. Once again, Democrats are reaffirming who they really are. And we should believe them.
Editor’s note: The American people overwhelmingly support President Trump’s law and order agenda.
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