Erika Kirk addresses late husband Charlie’s vandalized statue, says ‘spray paint’ can’t ‘obscure his legacy’
Erika Kirk is speaking out after a newly installed statue honoring her late husband, Charlie Kirk, was vandalized outside Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Phoenix.
The eight-foot bronze statue was covered in red spray paint early on September 13 — just three days after it was unveiled to mark the first anniversary of the conservative activist’s assassination.
Red paint covered parts of the statue’s face and neck, while a frowning face was drawn on the chest. A nearby memorial sign was also defaced, with the word “Jesus” and an image of a cross crossed out.
Phoenix police said two people vandalized the statue and poster shortly before 1 a.m. and also attempted to set the poster on fire before fleeing.
Erika responds to vandalism
Erika, who became CEO of Turning Point USA following her husband’s death, addressed the vandalism on X later that day.
“Charlie once said we should be building two statues for every statue that they tear down. His instinct was always to build, not to destroy,” she wrote.
“They thought a bullet would silence my husband’s voice, but it only made it louder. They think spray paint can obscure his legacy, but it will only spread it further. Every attempt to tear down what Charlie built makes us root deeper and work even harder.”
Erika also responded to the damage to the Christian memorial.
“And if you think crossing out the name of Jesus Christ will silence Christians, history has already proved you wrong,” she wrote. “We know what it costs to stand firm for Christ and we will stand anyway. God will not be mocked.
“We’ll put His name right back where it belongs, clean up the mess, restore Charlie’s statue, and keep building,” she added. “We will never give up and never surrender.”
Statue restored
Turning Point USA said it was cooperating with law enforcement to find those responsible.
“We will restore the statue and replace the signs, but we are also reviewing the footage of the incident and are working with law enforcement to identify who did this and hold them accountable,” the organization said in a statement.
Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet later announced that the statue had been cleaned.
Charlie once said we should be building two statues for every statue that they tear down. His instinct was always to build, not to destroy.
They thought a bullet would silence my husband’s voice but it only made it louder. They think spray paint can obscure his legacy, but it… https://t.co/nfMlpsSwKd— Erika Kirk (@MrsErikaKirk) September 13, 2026
“The team rallied and got the statue back looking good as new,” he wrote on X. “Evil may never sleep, but neither do we.”
The statue, which depicts Charlie wearing a “Freedom” T-shirt and cross necklace, was unveiled on September 10 — exactly one year after the Turning Point USA co-founder was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was 31.
Update on Tyler Robinson’s murder case
Tyler Robinson has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and other charges in connection with Charlie’s death.
A Utah judge ruled earlier this month that Robinson must stand trial. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Erika attended the hearing and left the courtroom as a police officer testified about details surrounding her husband’s shooting.
Tyler’s next court hearing is scheduled for October 23.
The vice president defends Erika
In August, Vice President J.D. Vance addressed conspiracy theories that have focused on Erika and members of Turning Point USA following Charlie’s death.
“I’m most frustrated at the attacks on Erika and some of the other staff,” he said during an appearance on the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show.
“But the idea that somehow these people were involved in Charlie’s death just enrages me,” the vice president continued.
“I know Erika. She’s a very, very good person, and she’s trying to raise two kids who just lost their father, and she just doesn’t deserve the attacks that have been leveled against her.”