A newly unveiled statue honoring slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was vandalized with red paint outside Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Phoenix, just days after it was installed to mark the one-year anniversary of his death.
The eight-foot bronze statue was found defaced early Sunday, along with a nearby poster memorial. Phoenix police said officers responded to vandalism reports shortly after 8 a.m. on September 13. No suspects had been identified, and the investigation remained ongoing.
Statue Defaced With Red Paint
Images from the scene showed red paint smeared across the statue’s face and neck, with a frowning face painted on its chest. A nearby memorial sign also was defaced.
Turning Point USA said it would restore the statue and signs while reviewing surveillance footage and working with law enforcement to identify whoever was responsible.
The statue was unveiled on September 10 at the organization’s Phoenix headquarters, marking one year since Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Utah.
Religious Memorial Also Targeted
The vandalism extended to a Christian sign placed near the memorial. The organization said the word “Jesus” and a cross on the sign were crossed out.
“Vandalism like this is not funny, it’s diabolical,” Turning Point USA said in a social media statement, adding that the incident occurred overnight.
The organization also quoted a passage from the Gospel of John in its response to the vandalism: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
Police Investigation Underway
Phoenix police confirmed that officers responded to the memorial after receiving calls about the damage. Authorities had not announced an arrest or suspect description as of Sunday.
Anyone with information about the vandalism is being asked to contact Phoenix police or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
Turning Point USA said it was working with investigators and reviewing available surveillance footage.
Statue Restored
Later Sunday, Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said the statue had been restored.
“The team rallied and got the statue back looking good as new,” Kolvet said in a social media post.
The vandalism came during a period of remembrance for Kirk, who was 31 when he was killed in September 2025. Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA and became a prominent figure in right-wing politics and a supporter of Donald Trump.
The man accused of killing Kirk, Tyler Robinson, has pleaded not guilty and faces an aggravated murder charge. A Utah judge recently ruled that the case can proceed to trial, where prosecutors may seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
Provided by Dallas Express
