Tensions surrounding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk escalated further on Sunday when a 19-year-old man vandalised a memorial at Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Arizona.
Memorial vandalised at TPUSA headquarters
Police identified the suspect as Ryder Corral, who was seen kicking over flowers, vases, flags, and balloons. Witnesses told Fox News reporters that Corral wore clothing similar to that of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting Kirk.
Bystanders tackled Corral to the ground before police arrested him.
He has been booked on charges including criminal damage and disorderly conduct.
Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the investigation
Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of former president Donald Trump, was killed on Wednesday, 10 September 2025 (20:20 SAST) while speaking at Utah Valley University.
He was shot in the neck by a sniper while addressing an audience of about 3,000 people.
Utah governor Spencer Cox confirmed on Sunday that the suspected gunman, Tyler Robinson, remains in custody but “is not cooperating” with investigators.
Robinson is expected to be formally charged on Tuesday.
Authorities are searching for a motive.
According to affidavits, engraved bullet casings recovered at the scene contained bizarre messages referencing memes and video games.
One read: “Hey fascist. Catch” followed by directional arrows, while another read:
“If you read this, you are gay Lmao.”
Political fallout and national response
Kirk’s killing has further deepened political divides in the United States. While Trump has blamed “the radical left,” other leaders have urged restraint. Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro said:
“Violence transcends party lines, and the way to address it … is for leaders to speak and act with moral clarity. That needs to start with the president.”
Governor Cox, meanwhile, criticised the role of social media, saying online platforms had played a “direct role” in recent political assassinations.
Upcoming memorial and tribute events
Kirk’s body has been returned to Arizona. His organisation confirmed that a public memorial will take place on 21 September 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.
In the meantime, US vice president JD Vance is set to host The Charlie Kirk Show on Monday, 12:00 EST (18:00 SAST) in what is expected to be both a tribute and a continuation of Kirk’s political messaging.
Turning Point USA also vowed to carry forward Kirk’s mission, saying that his work had inspired young conservatives across hundreds of college campuses.