A candlelight vigil for Iryna Zarutska, the 23-year-old Ukrainian woman fatally stabbed on the Charlotte light rail last month, will be held Monday at 8 p.m. at the East/West Boulevard light rail station.
The Mecklenburg County Republican Party is organizing the vigil to mark one month since her death, alongside West Charlotte Ministries, St. Simon Serbian Orthodox Church and New Hope Church.
Parking will be provided by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 600 East Blvd. CMPD will be on site to manage traffic on Camden Street from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
About 1,000 candles will be available, donated by West Boulevard Ministry. The program will include songs from Ukrainian American singer Tatyana Thulien, remarks from James Bowers, and prayers from clergy, including the Rev. Vasily Rudnitsky of Church of New Hope and the Rev. Srebrenko Vidakovic of St. Simon Serbian Orthodox Church.
Organizers encourage attendees to arrive by 7:30 p.m. as they expect a turnout of more than 1,000 people. They describe the event as a peaceful gathering to honor Zarutska’s memory and bring attention to public safety in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Pets and weapons are not permitted.
Meck GOP chair Kyle Kirby said, “In all honesty, we are expecting far more than 1k in attendance. I hope to see you there.”
