Teen arrested for stomping on Charlie Kirk memorial outside Turning Point USA HQ
Police in Phoenix, Arizona, arrested 19-year-old Ryder Corral after he was filmed stomping on a memorial to Charlie Kirk outside the headquarters of Turning Point USA. Corral faces charges of criminal damage and disorderly conduct.
- 19-year-old Ryder Corral was arrested for vandalising Charlie Kirk’s memorial in Phoenix.
- He faces charges of criminal damage and disorderly conduct after stomping on flowers and tributes.
- Kirk’s funeral is set for 21 September at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium.
A Fox News crew captured the moment a teenager stomped on a memorial for Charlie Kirk in Phoenix, Arizona. Police later identified the suspect as Ryder Corral, 19, who was arrested on Sunday morning.
According to authorities, the arrest occurred at 9.50 a.m. on 14 September 2025. Corral was taken into custody outside Turning Point USA headquarters, where mourners had gathered following Kirk’s death earlier in the week.
Witnesses reported seeing a man walking through the memorial, stepping on flowers and mementoes left for Kirk. Video circulating online showed Corral being confronted by another man before police officers nearby intervened and detained him.
Sgt Phil Krynsky, a Phoenix police spokesperson, said officers were already in the area managing traffic and community gatherings linked to Kirk’s death. Corral was booked into Maricopa County Jail on charges of criminal damage and disorderly conduct.
Details about the suspect
Footage of Corral showed him wearing a T-shirt depicting an American flag and eagle. News outlets noted that the shirt was similar to one worn in surveillance images by Kirk’s suspected killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
Police have not confirmed whether Corral intended any symbolic link by wearing the shirt. Authorities emphasised that the investigation into Kirk’s killing is separate from Corral’s case.
Broader political response
The incident occurred amid heightened political tensions following Kirk’s death. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated pledges to consider visa removals for foreign nationals accused of criticising Kirk, a move that has drawn debate across the political spectrum.
Kirk, a conservative commentator and head of Turning Point USA, was killed on 10 September during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. His death has spurred an outpouring of grief from supporters and allies.
Upcoming funeral
Kirk’s funeral service is scheduled for 21 September 2025 at State Farm Stadium, the 63,000-seat home of the Arizona Cardinals. The venue, located in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, is expected to host thousands of attendees.
Authorities are preparing for large crowds at both the funeral and surrounding memorial events. Police have said that community safety will remain a priority as public gatherings continue.
