Rhode Island Lawmaker Calls Mural Honoring Slain Ukrainian Refugee 'Divisive'

Democrat State Rep. David Morales says the mural 'does not reflect' Providence's 'values'.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A cinematic painting of a mural depicting a woman's portrait, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a somber, reflective mood.The controversial mural honoring slain Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska has sparked debate in Providence over the role of public art in reflecting a city's values.Providence Today

Rhode Island State Rep. David Morales (D) has criticized a mural honoring Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was murdered in North Carolina last year. Morales claims the mural 'does not reflect' the 'values' of Providence, while the city's mayor, Brett Smiley (D), agrees that the artwork is 'divisive and does not represent Providence.'

Why it matters

The controversy over the mural highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine and the treatment of refugees. While some Democrats have sought to honor Zarutska's memory, others have accused them of 'exploiting' her death for political purposes.

The details

Morales, a Democratic state representative, said the mural 'does not reflect Providence's values, nor does it reflect the creativity that we want to see in our city.' He bizarrely claimed that 'a right-wing movement' has been 'exploiting the death of the refugee for the purposes of trying to spread division.' The mural, which depicts Zarutska, was being painted on the side of a gay nightclub in Providence. After facing backlash, the decision was made to have the artwork removed.

  • Zarutska was murdered in Charlotte, North Carolina in the summer of 2025.
  • The controversy over the mural in Providence has been ongoing for 'days', according to a report by NBC 10 WJAR.

The players

David Morales

A Democratic state representative in the Rhode Island House of Representatives for the 7th district.

Brett Smiley

The Democratic mayor of Providence, Rhode Island.

Iryna Zarutska

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was murdered in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2025.

Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr.

The repeat offender charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Iryna Zarutska.

Ian Gaudreau

The artist who was painting the mural honoring Iryna Zarutska in Providence.

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What they’re saying

“We want to make sure that every community member that calls Providence home feels safe. And we can both agree that this mural behind us does not reflect Providence's values, nor does it reflect the creativity that we want to see in our city.”

— David Morales, Rhode Island State Representative

“A lot of people voiced their frustrations, and voices were heard, and the work is coming down as a reaction to that.”

— Ian Gaudreau, Artist

“All of this political vitriol being kicked up has removed Iryna from her story. And I think we'd all do better to remember that.”

— Ian Gaudreau, Artist

What’s next

The decision has been made to remove the mural honoring Iryna Zarutska from the side of The Dark Lady nightclub in Providence.

The takeaway

The controversy over the Iryna Zarutska mural in Providence highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the treatment of refugees and the exploitation of tragic events for partisan purposes. While some seek to honor Zarutska's memory, others view the artwork as divisive and not reflective of the city's values.