Statue of Charlie Kirk Planned for Times Square
A statue of Charlie Kirk, the conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder who was assassinated in September 2025, is set to be unveiled in New York's Times Square. The bronze monument, created by pro-Trump artist Sergio Furnari, has already drawn sharp reactions online, with many predicting it will be vandalized if placed in public.
Mixed Reactions and Vandalism Concerns
Furnari shared videos of the statue on social media, prompting a wave of criticism. One user wrote: 'From someone who lived in NYC, this Charlie Kirk monument won’t make it overnight without being vandalised.' Others dismissed Kirk as 'just a podcaster,' while supporters praised the tribute.
Kirk was an influential right-wing figure who opposed transgender rights, supported gun control, and advocated for religion. He was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University. The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, 23, faces charges including aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, though Robinson's attorneys have asked to remove that option.
Crowdfunding Falls Short
Furnari is funding the statue through a crowdfunding campaign, but has raised only about $1,500 of the $150,000 goal. The campaign page states: 'There’s been lots of talk from politicians, and none of them, absolutely none of them, have come up with a serious plan or a financial business plan to install a memorial for Charlie. We the People can erect this eternal masterpiece.' Donors will have their names engraved on the monument's platform.
Last week, the preliminary trial of Kirk's alleged shooter began. Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, attended court with three security guards, alongside Kirk's parents and Donald Trump Jr. After the trial, she did not speak to media. She previously stated she 'forgives' her husband's shooter.
