Man arrested after damaging Charlie Kirk memorial outside Turning Point USA
PHOENIX (CBS, KYMA) - The Phoenix Police Department (PPD) arrested a man who allegedly trespassed and damaged a memorial dedication to late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
PPD says the man trespassed and damaged the memorial at around 10:00 a.m. Sunday at Turning Point USA headquarters.
Videos circulating online appear to show the man stepping on flowers and other mementos, with witnesses reportedly detaining the man until he was arrested by police.
"It was quite disturbing. We are in the middle of mourning the death of a hero, an American hero, and this is not how we the people that follow Charlie Lirk, would have reacted that way. We're completely the opposite," said Veronica Fleminco, who attended the memorial.
"On the way here, I was on my phone and we saw it. It's just very recent today...It's so sad. I don't understand. I mean just leave it alone. Let's respect this tragedy," said Clare Thomas who also attended the memorial.
Police say the man, later identified as 19-year-old Ryder Corral, is now facing criminal damage and disorderly conduct charges.
Kirk continues to be a controversial figure following his death, with many praising his conservative mission while others remain critical of some of his polarizing ideas.
