Kirk's Phoenix memorial defaced in red

A memorial statue of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was targeted by vandals in Phoenix on Sunday night. The Turning Point Action organization, which Kirk founded, reported the incident. The eight-foot bronze statue and a sign were sprayed with red paint, obscuring Kirk's face, the area where he was shot, and a cross on the memorial.

Tyler Bowyer, Turning Point Action's chief operating officer, revealed the details on X, requesting anyone with information to come forward. Phoenix police responded to the calls on Sunday morning. The statue was unveiled on September 10 to commemorate one year since Kirk's murder during a Turning Point event at Utah Valley University.

Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and became a leading conservative organization for young voters. Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and may face the death penalty if convicted. Kirk's legacy has sparked controversy, with civil rights advocates condemning his rhetoric as racist, anti-immigrant, transphobic, and misogynist, while his supporters view him as a champion of conservative values and a key figure in mobilizing young voters for President Donald Trump in 2024.