Providence Mayor Urges Removal of ‘Divisive,’ ‘Misguided’ Iryna Zarutska Mural
Providence’s mayor has called for the removal of a mural honoring Iryna Zarutska. He described the artwork as divisive and misguided.
City reaction and mural details
Mayor Brett Smiley said the mural does not represent Providence. His office asked for the piece to be taken down.
The artwork sits on the exterior of The Dark Lady. The venue is an LGBTQ+ club in downtown Providence.
Artist and funding
Artist Ian Gaudreau began the mural last week. He told Filmogaz.com he never intended the work to be political.
Elon Musk pledged to donate $1 million in a post on X in September 2025 after learning of the tribute. The mural remained incomplete when the matter drew public attention.
Why the mayor objects
Smiley called the intent behind similar funded murals isolating. He urged support for local artists whose work brings the community together.
City officials said they view public art as a unifying force. They argued the current project is creating division instead.
Background on Iryna Zarutska’s death
Zarutska was 23 and had fled Ukraine after the Russian invasion. She was killed last year on the Lynx Blue Line light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A memorial to Zarutska stands in Charlotte. Her death prompted national debate on public safety and criminal justice policy.
Suspect and charges
Authorities charged Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, in the killing. He faces a federal count of violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death, a capital offense.
State records show Brown has prior convictions. Those include larceny, breaking and entering, and armed robbery. He served five years in prison beginning in 2015.
National response
The case drew attention from national leaders. President Donald Trump referenced the killing during his State of the Union address.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke about the incident at a Sept. 9, 2025, press briefing. The case has fueled calls for tougher penalties for repeat offenders.
Next steps
Smiley’s office urged a focus on unifying public art and community support. Officials have not provided a timeline for any removal action.
Filmogaz.com requested comment from the mayor’s office. No immediate additional response was available.
