Charlie Kirk statue unveiled in Times Square as leftists clash with Kirk supporters

A life-sized statue of Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Turning Point USA, was unveiled in New York City's Times Square on Thursday to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his assassination. The bronze statue, created by sculptor Sergio Furnari, features Kirk holding a microphone and wearing a sweatshirt with the word "FREEDOM."

The artist chose Times Square to unveil his creation for its high visibility. Furnari said he intends to create a stainless steel version to ensure it's "bulletproof."

The statue was unveiled at 2:23 pm EST, marking the exact time Kirk, who wanted to be remembered for his Christian faith, was fatally wounded.

Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. He was debating on campus for a TPUSA event when he was shot and killed in front of thousands of people. Tyler Robinson, 23, has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with Kirk's death.

The statue unveiling sparked protests. However, leftist demonstrators were met with fierce pushback from Kirk supporters. Chants of "USA" and "Charlie" filled Times Square, drowning out demonstrators attempting to disrupt the event.

There were several clashes, according to video footage taken by TPM contributor NJEG Media.

Turning Point USA also unveiled its own Charlie Kirk statue on Thursday at its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. Vice President JD Vance and several of Kirk's best friends and colleagues pulled off the drapes together. This statue depicts a now-famous image of Charlie in one of his last moments at UVU.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump honored his "great friend" Charlie Kirk during his speech at the RNC midterm convention in Dallas, Texas.

"A far-left extremist assassinated my great friend and conservative voice, Charlie Kirk, because Charlie Kirk spoke the truth," Trump told the crowd. "What shocked millions of Americans was not only the fact that Charlie was murdered, as bad as it was, but also how many people made an excuse for it or cheered for it."

"We will not let them win," Trump said. "And in Charlie's honor, I just want to say we love you, Charlie."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also paid tribute to Kirk on the first anniversary of his death. Rubio vowed to continue his efforts to "hold the enemies of civilization" accountable, meaning the far-left extremists who have waged terror on both foreign and domestic soil.