DEVINE OP-ED: Dems’ Callous Rebuke of an Iryna Zarutska Mural Exposes Their Own Twisted, Backwards ‘Values’

Verdict: Miranda Devine's op-ed spotlights a real controversy over a mural honoring murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska but undermines its case with unverified claims, a factual error on the killer's background, and overheated rhetoric that frames policy disagreements as moral depravity.

Key Techniques and Issues

The piece uses strong emotional language to link mural opposition to broader Democratic "values," but several elements lack verification or accuracy:

• Unverified attributions: Attributes extreme quotes to figures like Rep. David Morales (calling ICE a "rogue agency" that must be "abolished") and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles ("we can’t arrest our way out" post-murder). No searches confirm these in context; Morales commented only on the mural not aligning with city values, per local reports.

• Factual error on killer: Lists "protect illegal migrant killers" among indicted "values" and implies racial excuses for the murder ("she is white and her killer is black"). The suspect, Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., is a U.S. citizen born in Charlotte with 14 prior arrests and a schizophrenia diagnosis—not a migrant.

• Exaggerated framing: Describes removal as ordered by "political sadists" on the "say-so of the city’s lefty mayor." Mayor Brett Smiley called it "divisive," but bar owners removed it voluntarily after backlash.

"Providence Democrat Mayor Brett Smiley this week slammed the mural honoring her as 'divisive and [it] does not represent Providence.'"

• Cherry-picking comparisons: Juxtaposes Zarutska's mural (opposed) with George Floyd's (celebrated) and Ashli Babbitt's death (no murals) to suggest a "victim hierarchy," without noting differences like Floyd's death in police custody versus Zarutska's random stabbing.

• Rhetorical escalation: Terms like "political sadists," "callous Democrat stablemate," and "demonic expression of hatred" amplify vilification.

These techniques shift from factual controversy to partisan indictment.

Critical Omissions of Verifiable Facts

Two concrete details alter the reader's understanding:

• Private property decision: The mural was on The Dark Lady bar's wall; owners chose removal after complaints and threats, not a mayoral mandate. (Source: Newsweek)

• Suspect's full profile: Brown Jr. is a U.S. citizen with documented mental health issues and repeated releases on low bonds, providing context beyond "deranged homeless man." (Sources: NY Post, Charlotte Observer)

These omissions heighten perceptions of government overreach and policy-driven crime leniency.

Author and Outlet Context

Miranda Devine is a New York Post columnist whose opinion work often critiques Democratic policies on crime and immigration. Reprinted on Hannity.com (rated right by AllSides), it's clearly labeled as an op-ed—transparent advocacy, not straight news. Core facts like Zarutska's stabbing and Smiley/Morales' quotes hold up.

Coverage Variations

Other outlets provide more neutral context:

• Newsweek details the suspect's 14 arrests, federal charges, and bar owners' role, framing as backlash-driven without partisan "values" attacks.
• Fox News emphasizes Rep. Morales' backlash but omits suspect history, focusing on political heat.
• The Independent highlights Musk/Tate funding support, noting the bar's LGBTQ+ status.
• The Hill (opinion) echoes the "victim hierarchy" but calls Floyd's death "wrongful," omitting suspect details.

Straight news sticks to events; opinions like Devine's amplify angles.

Bottom line: The op-ed effectively draws attention to a troubling murder and mural backlash—Smiley and Morales' comments did spark valid debate on public tributes. But sloppy facts and rhetoric dilute its impact, turning a specific dispute into an overbroad screed. Solid journalism would verify claims and add omitted context for credibility.

(Word count: 612)

Further Reading

• Newsweek: Mural of Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska to Be Taken Down Over 'Divisive' Intent (Factual crime details, bar owners' decision)
• Fox News: Dem lawmaker sparks online firestorm after saying Iryna Zarutska mural doesn't align with city's values (Backlash on Rep. Morales)
• The Independent: Elon Musk and Andrew Tate-backed mural of murdered Ukrainian to be removed (Funding by high-profile figures)
• The Hill: Iryna Zarutska mural controversy (Opinion on censorship, Floyd contrast)