A mural dedicated to Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was killed in a 2025 attack, is set to be removed in Providence, Rhode Island, by Mayor Brett Smiley and city officials. The decision has drawn backlash from netizens, with many questioning the city’s role in removing a privately created memorial.
The mural is currently displayed at The Dark Lady nightclub, but NBC10 reports it is now only temporary. The outlet said that after officials called for the artwork to be removed, it became “only a matter of time” before it came down. The artist, Ian Gaudreau, also confirmed the news.
In a statement shared on Instagram stories, the mayor acknowledged that the murder was a “devastating tragedy,” but then added that “the misguided, isolating intent of those funding murals like this across the country is divisive and does not represent Providence.”
Netizens React to Mural Removal
On X, netizens were divided. Some pushed back on the mural’s removal, with one saying there is an inconsistency in how victims are memorialized. “She was an innocent victim. But that is not enough. She was the wrong race for the narrative. George Floyd murals stand protected everywhere,” the person wrote. Another said, “That’s disappointing. Art shouldn’t be silenced.”
“Americans have lost the plot. The mural is neither offensive, nor obscene, obstructive, intrusive, or a health or safety risk, it didn’t cost anyone a dime other than the artist, so what’s the actual problem?” another asked. “You can paint over the mural, but no one will forget what happened to Iryna,” another commenter added.
However, not every reaction was negative towards the officials’ decision. Some people supported them, including one that commented, “I just dont think a mural of her is appropriate, we dont need divisive displays like that. Im saying this as a fellow yt person btw.”
As the removal moves forward, Smiley’s position remains centered on the idea that public-facing art should reflect what he views as unifying values, even in cases tied to widely recognized tragedies.
