A mural dedicated to Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee tragically killed in Charlotte, North Carolina, is being taken down in Providence, Rhode Island, before its completion.

Mural Removal and Political Backlash

The removal is being directed by Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, a Democrat. The artwork depicts Zarutska’s long blond hair and the outline of her features, but her full identity is being erased, according to reports.

Zarutska was stabbed to death on a light rail train in Charlotte by a man with a history of violent offenses. She had fled a war zone only to encounter danger on her commute home from work at a pizzeria on a Friday night.

Criticism from Rhode Island Representative

Rhode Island State Representative David Morales, also a Democrat, stated to a local NBC reporter that the mural “does not reflect” the “values” of Providence. This statement has drawn significant criticism.

Questions of Values and Priorities

Critics question what values are being prioritized if they exclude honoring the memory of an innocent young woman. Concerns have been raised about policies that defund the police and the response to rising crime rates.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles previously stated, following Zarutska’s murder, that “we can’t arrest our way out” of crime, a sentiment that has been widely debated.

Contrast with George Floyd Murals

The situation is contrasted with the widespread creation and reverence for murals honoring George Floyd, a convicted felon and drug addict. Cities painted Black Lives Matter logos on roads and celebrated Floyd’s memory following his death and the subsequent riots.

The article highlights a perceived double standard, noting the 22+ year sentence given to Derek Chauvin, the officer convicted in Floyd’s death, while the shooting of Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed Iraq war veteran, by Capitol Police officer Michael Byrd during the January 6th riot, resulted in no consequences for Byrd.

Immigration and Law Enforcement Policies

Providence officials, including Mayor Elorza, have enacted policies limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Representative Morales has referred to ICE as a “rogue agency” and called for its abolition.

ICE has recently arrested individuals on child sex charges, with limited assistance from local authorities. The removal of the mural is seen by some as aligning with these policies and a broader disregard for public safety concerns.

The murals honoring Iryna Zarutska were created through both grassroots efforts and organized projects, reflecting a desire to remember her and other victims often overlooked.