A statue of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk was vandalized with red paint on Sunday outside the organization's headquarters in Phoenix. The incident occurred one day after the statue was unveiled and three days after the one-year anniversary of Kirk’s death.
Kirk was killed on September 10, 2025, during a debate at Utah Valley University (UVU). The Phoenix Police Department reported receiving calls regarding the vandalism at approximately 8:09 a.m. local time on Sunday. Investigators are reviewing video footage to identify suspects, and no arrests have been announced as of Sunday afternoon.
According to TPUSA, red paint was applied to the statue's face, neck, torso, and left hand. A nearby sign stating "Jesus defeated death so you can live" was also defaced, with the name "Jesus" crossed out and replaced with the word "Satan." Erika Kirk, the organization’s head and Kirk's widow, stated that the memorial will be restored. TPUSA officials said the memorial may be moved inside the headquarters for security.
The vandalism occurs against a backdrop of legal proceedings involving Tyler Robinson, who was recently ordered to stand trial for aggravated murder and six other counts related to Kirk’s 2025 death. If convicted, Robinson faces a possible death sentence.
Student Hunter Kozak, who was debating Kirk when the shooting occurred, reported a year of online harassment and cooperation with FBI investigators following the event.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) designated September 10 as "Charlie Kirk Day" in Utah, while former President Donald Trump addressed Kirk's legacy during a Republican National Committee midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday. TPUSA officials said they will clean the site once the police investigation at the scene is completed.