Charlie Kirk Statue Vandalized in Phoenix; Widow Erika Kirk Condemns

Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, condemned the vandalism of a new statue honoring the slain conservative influencer on Sunday, vowing it would be cleaned and its message would continue.

The eight-feet-tall bronze statue of the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder, unveiled last week outside its Phoenix headquarters, was defaced with red paint. An unknown culprit also crossed out Jesus’s Name on a nearby sign. Photos show red paint sprayed across the statue’s face and neck, with a frowning expression drawn on its torso. A memorial poster near the statue was also defaced with a red X over Kirk's face, and the phrase "May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior" was altered to replace "Jesus" with "Satan."

TPUSA stated it would restore the statue and replace the signs, while reviewing footage and working with law enforcement to identify and hold accountable those responsible. Phoenix police received reports of vandalism around 8 a.m. Sunday and confirmed an investigation was underway, with no suspects identified as of Sunday afternoon. TPUSA's COO, Tyler Bowyer, posted images of the vandalism.

The statue was unveiled on September 10, the one-year anniversary of Kirk's assassination by a pro-transgender radical during a campus outreach event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was killed while modeling robust and respectful debate, according to Josh Hammer. The anniversary was marked by both commemoration and controversy, with thousands paying tribute while others celebrated online.

These posts triggered backlash, leading to a Carnegie Mellon professor being under review for calling Kirk a s***bag and hoping he would rot in p***. Students have issued public apologies, and one Canadian visa holder reported losing her job.