Elon Musk pledges $1M to murals honoring Ukrainian refugee murdered in North Carolina
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Silicon Valley is stepping in after the killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska shocked the nation.

Eoghan McCabe, CEO and founder of Intercom, committed $500,000 to commission murals of Zarutska’s face in major U.S. cities. 

“I am offering $500k in $10k grants to paint murals of the face of Iryna Zarutska in prominent US city locations,” McCabe wrote. 

Those who want to participate in or donate to the initiative are encouraged to contact McCabe’s chief of staff, Katie Brenske Tolstedt. 

McCabe’s post caught the attention of billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who replied with an offer to contribute $1 million. Musk has also been vocal about Zarutska’s case, particularly media coverage of the killing and public reaction.

“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. The perpetrator was a well known career criminal, who had been previously arrested and released on CASHLESS BAIL in January, a total of 14 TIMES. What the hell was he doing riding the train, and walking the streets? Criminals like this need to be LOCKED UP,” Trump said.

Zarutska came to the U.S. in August 2022 to escape the Russia-Ukraine war. She was working at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria and was in her uniform when she was killed.

“This could have been anyone riding the light rail that night. We are committed to making sure this never happens again,” Zarutska’s family said in their first statement since she was murdered.

Iryna Zarutska

Iryna Zarutska, 23, was killed when taking a train in Charlotte, N.C., on Aug. 22, 2025. (@lucaveros225/Instagram; WBTV;  Evgeniya Rush/GoFundMe)

Zarutska was on a Lynx Blue Line train in Charlotte when she sat in front of a man in a red hoodie later identified as Brown. After a few moments of sitting behind Zarutska, Brown is seen in the video standing up and stabbing the young woman.

Brown was arrested soon after the attack and has been charged with first-degree murder. The Justice Department on Tuesday added a charge of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.

Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan and Fox News’ Alexis McAdams contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
President of TPUSA chapter twice denied by university's student government vows to fight: 'not backing down'

TPUSA Chapter President Challenges University’s Student Government Rejection: A Determined Stand for Free Speech

PHOENIX — A determined Loyola University New Orleans student is pledging to…
Chicago shootings: At least 6 shot, 1 fatally, in Christmas gun violence, police department says

Tragic Christmas in Chicago: Gun Violence Claims Lives Amid Festive Season

CHICAGO — On Christmas night, a series of shootings in Chicago resulted…
The Cure guitarist Perry Bamonte dies aged 65

Guitarist Perry Bamonte of The Cure Passes Away at 65

Perry Bamonte, the renowned guitarist of The Cure, has passed away at…
More companies charging restocking fees this year than last as many make returns after Christmas 2025 | What to know

Increase in Companies Implementing Restocking Fees Compared to Last Year Amid Post-Christmas 2025 Return Surge | Key Insights

As the twinkling lights of Christmas fade into memory, retailers are bracing…
Former Florida law enforcement officer accused of forcing 6-year-old underwater in hotel pool: report

Ex-Florida Police Officer Allegedly Submerges 6-Year-Old in Hotel Pool, Report Reveals

A former law enforcement officer, known for her talks to students about…
Deal to sell 117 JCPenney stores in danger of collapse

Potential Collapse Looms Over Sale of 117 JCPenney Stores

A widespread JCPenney store sale, involving locations in 35 states and Puerto…
Inside the campaign to replace Karoline Leavitt

Exploring the Efforts to Succeed Karoline Leavitt

The role of White House Press Secretary, currently held by Karoline Leavitt,…
Man arrested for attempted murder on Christmas in Fort White

Shocking Christmas Day Arrest: Fort White Man Charged with Attempted Murder

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of Johnny McNutt, 53,…