Charlie Kirk statue vandalized at Turning Point USA headquarters

A newly unveiled statue of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Turning Point USA's headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, was vandalized with red spray paint. The incident occurred overnight Saturday into Sunday, just days after the eight-foot statue was installed on September 10 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Kirk's death. Images show red paint streaked across the statue's face and neck, and a nearby memorial sign bearing Kirk's image and religious text, including the name "Jesus" and a cross, was also defaced. Turning Point USA Chief Operating Officer Tyler Bowyer stated that "radical criminals" were responsible and that "evil never sleeps." The organization has vowed to restore the statue and replace the damaged signs, and is cooperating with law enforcement by reviewing footage and identifying those responsible. Phoenix police confirmed they responded to calls of vandalism to a memorial and are investigating the incident. Charlie Kirk, a key ally of Donald Trump, was shot and killed a year ago at a Turning Point USA event in Utah. A Utah judge recently ruled that the man accused of his murder must stand trial for aggravated murder.