The campaign, spearheaded by Intercom CEO Eoghan McCabe, aims to install 300 murals across major U.S. cities, turning grief into a visual call for justice and awareness of public safety issues.

In an unprecedented show of public solidarity, tech titan Elon Musk and social media influencer Andrew Tate have each pledged $1 million to fund a nationwide mural campaign honoring Iryna Zarutska,

a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee whose tragic death aboard a Charlotte, North Carolina, light rail train on August 22, 2025, has ignited national outrage.

Zarutska, who had fled the ongoing war in Ukraine with her younger brother, was fatally stabbed by 34-year-old Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., a 14-time offender with a documented history of violent crimes.

Witnesses recall the chaotic scene aboard the train, with one passenger stating, “I heard a scream, turned around, and saw him attacking her. It was horrifying. People were running in every direction.”

The initiative to fund murals across major U.S. cities was spearheaded by Eoghan McCabe, CEO of Intercom, who announced the campaign via social media shortly after Zarutska’s death.

McCabe offered $500,000 in $10,000 grants to artists willing to create murals depicting Zarutska’s face in prominent public locations, turning grief into a visual call for justice.

Within hours of the announcement, Elon Musk confirmed his participation with a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I will contribute $1M.”

Andrew Tate followed suit with a succinct, “Matched. 1M.” The combined contributions have already raised over $2.5 million, providing funds for the commissioning of 300 murals in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Charlotte.

The first murals are slated to be installed within the next three months, with plans to expand to additional locations in the following year.

The campaign has been met with widespread enthusiasm among artists and the general public. Social media platforms are flooded with applications from over 800 artists eager to participate.

Street artist Jasmine Rivera, whose portfolio includes murals addressing social justice issues in Los Angeles, said, “This is a moment where art can speak louder than words.

Iryna’s story deserves to be seen and remembered, and these murals will keep her memory alive in our communities.”

McCabe echoed this sentiment, stating, “We want to ensure that Iryna’s life and tragic death are not forgotten. Art can be a powerful medium to inspire change and awareness.”

Zarutska’s murder has reignited a nationwide debate over bail reform, mental health support, and public safety. Brown had been released earlier this year on cashless bail despite his extensive criminal record, a decision that many now see as tragically ill-advised.

“This is a heartbreaking consequence of a system that needs urgent reform,” said Charlotte City Council member Tamara Collins. Lawmakers, including Rep.

Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), have called for a nationwide review of cashless bail policies, arguing that public safety must be prioritized.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein also pledged to increase funding for law enforcement and bolster officer presence on public transit, emphasizing, “We must protect our citizens and ensure that tragedies like this never happen again.”

The murals not only serve as a memorial for Zarutska but also as a platform for broader social discussions. Activists are using the campaign to highlight the treatment of refugees, gaps in mental health care, and urban crime prevention strategies.

A GiveSendGo fundraiser titled “Iryna Zarutska Did Not Ask to Be a Martyr” has raised over $55,000, with contributions from more than 550 donors supporting the campaign’s expansion and artist grants. McCabe emphasized, “This movement is about turning outrage into action.

Every mural is a reminder that communities can come together to honor lives lost and push for meaningful change.”

The first confirmed mural location is in Uptown Charlotte, within walking distance of the light rail station where Zarutska was attacked. Local officials have collaborated with the project organizers to ensure the artwork is visible, safe, and accessible to the public.

In New York, Times Square is expected to feature a massive mural on the side of a high-rise building, while Los Angeles will host one near Venice Beach, blending the artwork into high-traffic areas to maximize public engagement.

Musk and Tate’s involvement has drawn significant media attention, sparking debates about the role of public figures in social justice campaigns.

While Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is often associated with technological innovation and philanthropy, Tate’s controversial public persona has led to polarized opinions.

Despite differing public images, their financial support has proven critical in ensuring the nationwide scope of the mural project.

Musk commented in an interview, “Art transcends borders. Iryna’s story deserves to be told everywhere.” Tate added, “This isn’t about politics or fame. It’s about honoring a life cut short and sending a message that we won’t stand idly by.”

The impact of the murals is expected to extend beyond memorialization. Community leaders anticipate that the installations will encourage civic engagement, foster dialogue about public safety and social responsibility, and inspire future campaigns addressing systemic issues.

High school art teacher Marcus Lee in Chicago remarked, “Our students see these murals not just as art, but as activism. It teaches them that they can use their creativity to make a real difference.”

As the campaign moves forward, organizers are working to ensure that the murals are completed in a timely manner while maintaining artistic integrity.

McCabe confirmed that several well-known muralists, including globally recognized street artist Shepard Fairey, have expressed interest in participating, alongside emerging local artists.

“We want a diverse range of voices and perspectives,” McCabe said. “Each mural tells a part of Iryna’s story, and together they form a nationwide tribute to her life and the values she stood for.”

Through a combination of philanthropy, social media mobilization, and artistic expression, the initiative led by Musk and Tate represents a unique convergence of technology, influence, and cultural engagement.

The nationwide mural campaign is poised to leave a lasting impression, turning a tragic event into a movement that champions remembrance, justice, and community action.

In the coming months, as murals appear on city streets across the United States, the legacy of Iryna Zarutska will continue to inspire discussions on public safety, refugee rights, and the power of art to foster societal change.

From Charlotte to New York, Los Angeles, and beyond, each mural will stand as a testament to the resilience of communities and the collective effort to ensure that Zarutska’s life, though tragically cut short, will never be forgotten.