Full Breakdown
Statue Vandalized at Turning Point USA Headquarters in Phoenix
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A bronze statue of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk was defaced with red spray-paint overnight, and a nearby memorial sign was also damaged. The eight-foot monument, installed on September 10 to mark the one-year anniversary of Kirk’s fatal shooting, was discovered vandalized on September 13 at Turning Point USA’s headquarters near 48th Street and Baseline Road in Phoenix. Police responded to calls around 8:09 a.m., secured the scene with caution tape and began an investigation. No suspects have been identified.
Background & Context
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025 while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death has been a focal point for the organization’s supporters and critics. The statue, designed by artist Quintin McCann, depicts Kirk tossing baseball caps while wearing his signature “FREEDOM” T-shirt and a cross necklace.
Data & Statistics
- Statue height: eight feet (approximately 2.4 m).
- Installation date: September 10 (one-year anniversary of Kirk’s killing).
- Vandalism date: September 13.
- Paint used: red spray-paint covering the face, neck, torso and the sign’s text, including a crossed-out “Jesus.”
Official Statements & Responses
Turning Point USA announced that it will restore the statue and replace the damaged signs while reviewing surveillance footage and cooperating with law enforcement. The organization described the act as “diabolical” and said the incident occurred “because evil never sleeps.”
The Phoenix Police Department confirmed officers responded to reports of vandalism on Sunday morning and that the investigation remains open.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell posted that acts of vandalism “will not be tolerated,” reinforcing the legal response to the incident.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local residents who witnessed the aftermath described the damage as deliberate. Mesa resident Kyle Elliott said, “Charlie, he was non-violent, and he suffered violence,” while Jason Agan added, “They knew what they were doing.” Both observers noted the heightened political polarization in the community following the incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This morning we woke up to radical criminals vandalizing our Headquarters,” — Operating Officer Tyler Bowyer
- “Crossing over Charlie’s face, scratching out Jesus and the Cross & spraying red paint on his neck,” — Operating Officer Tyler Bowyer
- “This isn’t the country we want to live in. Arizona is not Gotham.” — Operating Officer Tyler Bowyer
- “ "The young people who work at Turning Point don’t deserve this, Charlie’s family doesn’t deserve this, his friends don’t deserve this," Hamadeh added.” — Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Ariz.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources uniformly report the vandalism but differ on the precise wording seen on the defaced sign; some describe the crossed-out text as “Jesus” while others note a “Satan” scrawl. No law-enforcement agency has released information identifying the perpetrators, and surveillance footage has not been made public, leaving the motive and affiliation of the vandals unverified.
What’s Next
Turning Point USA plans to repair the statue and replace the signage. Police continue to investigate and have asked the public to contact the department or the Silent Witness tip line (480-WITNESS) with any information. No further scheduled actions have been announced.