Murder of Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska Stokes Racial Tensions
About the politicization of Iryna Zarutska’s murder, the Kyiv Independent wrote, “Right-wing figures across the U.S. and Europe are now exploiting Ukrainian refugees’ tragic stories not to promote wartime aid for Ukraine but to stoke fear and push racist, xenophobic policies at home.”
Preacher John Amanchukwu Sr., a Black man and outspoken opponent of critical race theory (CRT), posted about the Charlotte murder, “A black guy attempted to help Iryna. Sad situation. God help us!! Heads need to roll!! I’m angry and crushed by this at the same time!”
Amanchukwu added:
As tempers are high and anger is brewing, it’s imperative that temperance keeps you from becoming and doing the same thing that you once loathed. I abhor race baiters of all colors. Always have and always will, regardless of who gets killed and who kills them. Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
In response, someone wrote, “When it’s obviously a racial issue, then what John? Have you watched while 5 blacks did nothing to intervene for that child? Have you watched?”
After CNN’s Van Jones accused people on the right of “race-mongering,” conservative commentator Charlie Kirk said Zarutska’s alleged attacker is the one who “racialized this, just for the record.”
Editor’s note: Charlie Kirk died after being shot in the neck Wednesday afternoon.
Wikipedia founder and recent convert to Christianity Larry Sanger wrote that he wants “justice” for Zarutska’s death. But he added, “If you’re gunning for a race war, count me out.”
Christian influencer and pro-life advocate Samuel Sey, who is Black, posted, “The answer to anti-black racism isn’t anti-white racism. The answer to anti-white racism isn’t anti-black racism. Some people are allowing Satan to deceive them into becoming what they claim to hate.”
Conservatives Cite Hypocrisy Over Liberals’ Support for BLM
Some faith leaders and Christian influencers are criticizing their liberal counterparts for protesting the 2020 police killing of George Floyd yet not speaking up for victim Iryna Zarutska.
Author Megan Basham posted:
I feel so infuriated beyond words by every pastor and ministry leader who aided and abetted the policies that led to Iryna Zarutska’s death when they joined the trendy but false BLM narrative that our criminal justice system was “structurally racist” and needed significant reforms. Well, those reforms were enacted. Cashless bail. Decriminalizing homelessness. Reducing the jail population. Anti-racism training for police and courts—all in the name of “racial equity.” These were the “reforms” you demanded when you marched with BLM and its associated organizations. These were the reforms you asked for when you told us to use the slogan “black lives matter.” You got them. And you got your applause for taking part in lies. Repent.
Basham called out Pastor J.D. Greear, a former SBC president, for supporting the BLM movement yet saying “nothing about the death of Iryna Zarutska in his own state though it is a national story.” She also called out Pastors Jonathan Leeman and David Platt, as well as the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission.
