Billionaire Elon Musk has pledged $1 million to fund murals honoring Iryna Zarutska, the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail train.

The nation continues to grapple with the tragic death of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed while riding the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22, 2025.

The brutal attack, captured on surveillance video, ignited a wave of outrage over public safety, criminal justice policies, and the treatment of immigrants in America.

Now, high-profile figures are stepping in to honor Zarutska’s life, with Silicon Valley billionaire Elon Musk pledging \$1 million to create murals of her face in major U.S. cities.

The initiative began when Eoghan McCabe, CEO and founder of Intercom, committed \$500,000 to the project. He announced on social media, “I am offering \$500k in \$10k grants to paint murals of the face of Iryna Zarutska in prominent US city locations.”

McCabe encouraged artists and donors to contact his chief of staff, Katie Brenske Tolstedt, to participate in the campaign.

The goal, he explained, was to ensure Zarutska’s story would not be forgotten amidst what he called failures in media coverage and public recognition of the tragedy.

McCabe’s post quickly gained traction and caught the attention of Elon Musk, who responded with an offer to contribute \$1 million to the effort.

The campaign, which is still in its early planning stages, is currently coordinating with more than 1,000 artists nationwide to select locations and design the murals.

In addition to the street art, organizers are planning poster campaigns in major metropolitan areas to amplify Zarutska’s legacy.

Zarutska, a young woman who had fled the devastating war in Ukraine with her mother and siblings in August 2022, had quickly begun building a new life in the United States.

She worked at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria in Charlotte, rising from an entry-level position to line cook, and had aspirations of continuing her education and learning to drive.

According to her family, she was deeply loved and admired in the local community, with many coworkers and neighbors praising her for her warmth and generosity.

The suspect in the case, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., had a long criminal history, with 14 prior arrests, yet was reportedly released on cashless bail in January 2025.

According to authorities, Brown sat behind Zarutska on the train and, after a brief moment, stood and stabbed her in front of other passengers.

He fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The Justice Department has since added a federal charge for committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.

The horrific nature of the attack and Zarutska’s status as a refugee drew national attention. Former President Donald Trump condemned the murder, calling the video “horrific” and criticizing the criminal justice system that allowed Brown to be free despite his lengthy arrest record.

“I have seen the horrific video of a beautiful, young Ukrainian refugee, who came to America to escape the vicious War in Ukraine, and was

innocently riding the Metro in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she was brutally ambushed by a mentally deranged lunatic,” Trump said during a public statement.

“Criminals like this need to be LOCKED UP.” Zarutska’s family, still mourning her loss, issued their first statement since the incident. “This could have been anyone riding the light rail that night.

We are committed to making sure this never happens again,” they said, highlighting both the personal and societal implications of the tragedy.

Her father was unable to attend the funeral in person, participating via FaceTime, underscoring the family’s grief and separation caused by their initial displacement from Ukraine.

Community and national leaders have joined calls to commemorate Zarutska’s life and advocate for stronger protections for public transit riders.

McCabe emphasized that the murals are not just symbolic gestures, but a commitment to remembering Zarutska and sparking dialogue about public safety and criminal justice reform.

“We don’t want Iryna to be just another statistic,” said an anonymous campaign representative. “Her story deserves to be seen, remembered, and honored.”

Musk’s involvement has further amplified the project’s visibility, with social media buzzing about the intersection of technology, celebrity, and activism in honoring victims of violent crime.

Organizers hope that by combining artistic tribute with national awareness campaigns, Zarutska’s memory will inspire both reflection and action.

Already, artists across cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., have expressed interest in participating, aiming to create murals that convey both her spirit and the urgency of addressing violence in public spaces.

The movement has sparked wider conversation about immigrant safety, public transit security, and the consequences of repeated bail releases for individuals with criminal records.

Experts in criminal justice and urban policy have weighed in, pointing to systemic failures and the need for more rigorous safeguards in communities across the country.

At the same time, supporters of the mural initiative emphasize that honoring Zarutska’s life is about preserving hope, humanizing victims, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

As plans move forward, Zarutska’s family and advocates hope the murals will serve as both a memorial and a symbol of resilience.

McCabe remarked, “These murals are about making sure Iryna’s life and story are never forgotten. It’s about creating a visible, lasting tribute that resonates with people and inspires change.”

Musk’s pledge, coupled with broad public interest, ensures that her legacy will reach millions, sparking conversations in neighborhoods, schools, and cultural institutions nationwide.

The case continues to unfold as authorities pursue justice against Brown, while Zarutska’s story inspires activism, art, and reflection.

Public officials, community leaders, and citizens alike are rallying to ensure her life is honored, demonstrating that even in the face of senseless tragedy, acts of remembrance and solidarity can have a powerful, enduring impact.

Elon Musk’s \$1 million pledge is expected to accelerate the mural project, creating opportunities for artists and community engagement in cities across the U.S., making Zarutska a symbol of courage, perseverance, and the urgent need for societal change.