A 19-year-old man has been arrested after he was caught on video vandalizing a growing memorial for Charlie Kirk outside the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The incident occurred on Sunday, just days after Kirk was fatally shot during a public speaking event in Utah.
Caught on Camera: Kicking Flowers and Flags
Footage aired by Fox News shows the suspect, identified as Ryder Corral, walking through the memorial, kicking over flowers, vases, American flags, and other tribute items left by mourners.
At one point, a bystander — seen in a blue polo shirt — stepped in and physically restrained Corral, throwing him to the ground to stop further destruction.
Phoenix police said officers were already present in the area due to heavy foot traffic from mourners. No serious injuries were reported.
Suspect Wore Shirt Similar to Gunman’s
In a detail that has sparked public attention, Ryder Corral was reportedly wearing a black shirt featuring an eagle and an American flag — closely resembling the shirt worn by Tyler Robinson, the alleged gunman who killed Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.
However, police have not confirmed any direct connection between Corral and the shooter.
Charges Filed Against Ryder Corral
According to Phoenix Police Public Information Sgt. Philip Krynsky, Corral was taken into custody and is now being held at Maricopa County Jail. He faces the following charges:
One count of criminal damage
One count of disorderly conduct
The motive behind Corral’s actions has not been publicly disclosed.
Charlie Kirk’s Assassination: What We Know
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative speaker and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking on stage at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The gunman, believed to be Tyler Robinson, was arrested Friday evening after a 33-hour manhunt that involved local and federal agencies.
The FBI released surveillance images of Robinson during the search, showing him in jeans, sunglasses, and a black long-sleeved shirt with an American flag print — similar to the shirt worn by Corral at the time of the memorial vandalism.
Kirk, 31, was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He is survived by his wife and child.
A Community in Mourning
Since the tragic event, supporters and community members have been gathering at the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, leaving flowers, candles, notes, and American flags in Kirk’s memory. The destruction of the memorial has been condemned widely on social media, with many calling for respect and accountability.
What should have been a peaceful space for mourning turned chaotic when Ryder Corral allegedly trampled through Charlie Kirk’s memorial. While the motive behind Corral’s actions remains unclear, the community continues to grieve the shocking assassination of a young political leader.
Authorities are treating both incidents with seriousness, urging the public to respect the mourning process and allow justice to take its course.
