Mural of Stabbing Victim Iryna Zarutska Appears in Las Vegas

The mural is part of a campaign to highlight crime in "liberal cities" with "soft-on-crime policies".

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A mural depicting Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was brutally murdered on a North Carolina train in August 2025, has appeared on a building in Las Vegas. The mural is part of a campaign led by billionaire Elon Musk and businessman Eoghan McCabe to shed more light on crime happening in leftist cities.

Why it matters

The murder of Iryna Zarutska sparked outrage and renewed debates around crime policies, with some officials blaming "soft-on-crime" approaches. The mural campaign aims to further highlight these issues, though it has also faced criticism as being politically motivated.

The details

The Las Vegas mural shows Zarutska's face surrounded by a golden light. It is part of the "Remember Iryna" campaign, which has seen similar murals go up in several cities. The campaign's organizers say it is meant to draw attention to crime in liberal cities with lenient policies, while others view it as a form of political propaganda.

  • Iryna Zarutska was stabbed to death on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina in August 2025.
  • The Las Vegas mural was unveiled in February 2026.

The players

Iryna Zarutska

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was brutally murdered on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina in August 2025.

Decarlos Brown Jr.

The suspect charged with first-degree murder in Iryna Zarutska's death, who had a long criminal history.

Elon Musk

The billionaire reportedly behind the "Remember Iryna" mural campaign.

Eoghan McCabe

The businessman who is also reportedly involved in the "Remember Iryna" mural campaign.

Gear Duran

The graffiti artist who painted the Las Vegas mural.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just basically honored and humbled to be able to be chosen to create this thing right here. It's handcrafted with love and care and respect.”

— Gear Duran, Graffiti artist (8 News Now)

“Iryna Zarutska was a young woman living the American dream — her horrific murder is a direct result of failed soft-on-crime policies that put criminals before innocent people. I have directed my attorneys to federally prosecute DeCarlos Brown Jr., a repeat violent offender with a history of violent crime, for murder. We will seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable crime, and he will never again see the light of day as a free man.”

— Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General (Social media post)

What’s next

The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., is expected to face federal prosecution for Iryna Zarutska's murder.

The takeaway

The mural campaign has sparked debate over the role of crime policies in liberal cities, with supporters arguing it highlights important issues and critics viewing it as politically motivated propaganda. Iryna Zarutska's tragic death has become a focal point in these ongoing discussions around criminal justice reform and public safety.