Turning Point USA unveils Charlie Kirk statue outside Phoenix headquarters
Charlie Kirk statue unveiled in Phoenix by TPUSA
Turning Point USA in Phoenix marks one year without its founder, Charlie Kirk, with the unveiling of a bronze statue. FOX 10's Taylor Wirtz reports.
PHOENIX - One year after Charlie Kirk was assassinated, Turning Point USA unveiled a statue of their co-founder at their headquarters in Phoenix.
The 8-foot-tall statue sits outside TPUSA's headquarters, located near 48th Street and Beverly Road. It will be brought inside by the end of the week for security reasons.
A statue of Charlie Kirk was unveiled outside of Turning Point USA's headquarters in Phoenix on Sept. 10, 2026.
It was an emotional day for everyone at Turning Point USA headquarters, as they reflected on one year without their founder.
"It was surreal then. It still remains surreal. It's hard to believe that we had that kind of political violence," Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona said.
Staff at Kirk’s Phoenix-based Turning Point USA say they’ll never forget it.
"I remember it minute by minute last year ... and it's just a hard day because I'm just like, wow. At this time last year, Charlie was alive," Marina Minas, chief marketing officer for Turning Point USA, said.
On the anniversary of his death, between a prayer and words from Kirk’s friends and colleagues, Turning Point unveiled an 8-foot-tall bronze statue of its founder, which those who knew him say captures every detail down to his wedding ring.
"...he's got the freedom T-shirt on, which was a hallmark of Charlie. He's got his cross necklace that he wore, that symbol of his faith," Biggs said.
Utah-based sculptor Quintin McCann says he started sculpting Kirk’s likeness almost immediately after his assassination. Turning Point commissioned him for the statue.
"Someone's death, who I've never met, has never impacted me so much. And I'm sure many people can agree. And I just stayed at work that evening and just started sculpting his portrait," McCann said.
Big picture view:
While the anniversary will always be difficult for those who knew Kirk, they hope the statue will be a reminder of the man who inspired them.
"He's with his savior and Lord, so I do have peace knowing that he is in a better place. But we do miss him, and we will mourn him forever," Minas said.
Supporters remember Charlie Kirk in Phoenix
Supporters gathered at the TPUSA headquarters in Phoenix to reflect on the life of Charlie Kirk and the conservative movement he left behind. The gathering took place one year after the co-founder was killed in Utah. FOX 10's Jacob Luthi reports.
"Charlie’s imprint on my life will stand the test of time," Lala Andrews, former TPUSA staff, said.
"Worked all day and I just wanted to come out and honor Charlie and his legacy and to honor him for the sacrifice he made for freedom, for country, for voice," Paul Sanchez, Charlie Kirk supporter, said.
In the days that followed Kirk's death, Turning Point USA says thousands reached out wanting to start chapters of their own on college campuses. The group says it’s reached more than 3,500 high school campuses, with more than 1,500 college chapters, and says that momentum is only growing.
"Turning Point is still on fire for Charlie and for the mission and Erika has done a fabulous job, and she's such a great leader, and we are so lucky to have her, and we were able to just follow her when Charlie died," Minas said.
Daren Lasky says he was neighbors with the Kirks for years, and wishes more people knew the person Kirk was behind the politics.
"If you wanted a neighbor that was like the best neighbor, that was Charlie Kirk and that’s Erika. Even though they are private, they are probably the most genuine people I have ever met," Lasky said.
Lasky says for six months, he had no idea his neighbor was Kirk. A year after his death — he says Sept. 10 is still with him every day.
"I feel genuinely blessed that I got to know him, and that Charlie called me his friend," Lasky said.
Andrews worked alongside Kirk at Turning Point USA. She says his death didn’t stop the work — it only fueled their mission.
"Just because evil took Charlie away from us doesn’t mean the work is over the work lives on, it lives on with each and every patriot that Charlie touched," Andrews said.
The backstory:
On Sept. 10, 2025, Kirk was speaking to a crowd during a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University when he was shot in the neck. Kirk later died at the hospital.
Two days after the shooting, Tyler Robinson was arrested for Kirk's murder. Robinson, 23, has since pleaded not guilty to charges, including aggravated murder. If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty.
Charlie Kirk death: Where the case stands 1 year after his death
Today marks one year since Charlie Kirk was killed in front of a crowd at Utah Valley University. Here's where the murder trial against his accused killer stands.
What's next:
Robinson's next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 23.
Map of Turning Point's Phoenix headquarters:
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from Andy Biggs, a representative for Arizona; Marina Minas, chief marketing officer for Turning Point USA; and Quintin McCann, a sculptor.