Rhode Island Representative David Morales (D-7th District) expressed that the mural dedicated to Irina Zalutka, a Ukrainian refugee who was tragically killed at 23, “does not reflect” the “values” of Providence. This sentiment was also shared by Democratic Mayor Brett Smiley, who described the mural as “divisive and not representative of Providence.”
“We want to ensure that all community members feel safe in Providence,” Morales said in a recent interview.
“I think we can agree that this mural behind us fails to embody the essence of Providence as well as the creativity we wish to showcase in our city,” he continued.
Interestingly, Morales claimed that “right-wing movements” are “exploiting the deaths of refugees to foster division.”
It’s worth noting that he made this statement while standing in front of the mural depicting Zalutka, whose horrific murder on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, last summer was captured on video and widely shared on social media in September 2025.
The left, who tends to display a certain self-righteousness regarding the Ukraine war, appears to have overlooked Zalutka, while conservatives express significant outrage over her killing. Some conservatives assert that the Democratic Party’s crime policies contributed to this tragedy.
Authorities later charged DeCarlos DeJuan Brown Jr., a repeat offender with a history of over a dozen arrests and previous prison time, with first-degree murder in connection to the stabbing.
Yet, not all Democrats approached Zalutka’s murder through a partisan lens.
As reported last fall, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D) signed Irina’s Law, a bill that restricts cashless bail for certain violent crimes and many repeat offenders, although he mentioned having reservations about parts of the new legislation.
Still, it seems some left-leaning individuals are reluctant to support murals honoring Zalutka. As a result, the mural project has sparked considerable controversy in Providence “for days,” according to sources.
Ultimately, it has been decided to remove the mural from the Dark Lady, a gay nightclub in downtown Providence, where the owners have also expressed their support for its removal.
Artist Ian Gaudreau remarked on Monday, “Many voices have been raised against this; their concerns have been taken into account, and as a result, we’re wrapping up the work.”
“My aim with the mural was to ease tensions,” Gaudreau added.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley (D) reiterated Morales’ views to NBC 10 WJAR, saying that while the murder of the Ukrainian refugees was “a devastating tragedy,” the “misguided and isolating intent of these funded murals nationwide is divisive and not reflective of Providence.”
“These political narratives have overshadowed Irina’s story,” Gaudreau commented. “And I believe we should all remember that.”
