Plans for Charlie Kirk memorial in Scottsdale move forward
Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point Action, speaks during a meeting on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson on October 17, 2024. Charlie Kirk's Turning Point Action, a conservative campaign group, is wo
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Plans to create a memorial for the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk are advancing in Scottsdale, a city council member said on Friday.
Scottsdale City Councilman, Adam Kwasman, said on Nov. 7 that the memorial will honor "the late Scottsdale resident and national conservative voice whose impact extended far beyond political lines."
Kirk was killed on Sept. 10 while speaking with college students at Utah Valley University. His alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, was arrested late the next day, while Kirk's body was flown back on Air Force Two to Arizona.
Kirk founded the Phoenix-based nonprofit Turning Point USA, which has since grown by the hundreds on college campuses following his death.
What they're saying:
"Charlie Kirk was a man of conviction, courage, and community," Kwasman said. "He embodied the ‘Spirit of ’76’ and inspired countless young people to speak up for their beliefs, give back to their communities, and never shy away from difficult conversations about faith, family, and freedom. It is only fitting that Scottsdale — the community he called home — will now serve as the home of a lasting memorial to his legacy."
The memorial, Kwasman said, will reflect Kirk's commitment to civic engagement and education, "providing a space for reflection and dialogue."
The city is looking into potential sites for the memorial and design partners.
"This is about recognizing the kind of civic courage that strengthens a free society in the vision of our Founders. Whether people agreed or disagreed with Charlie, they could not deny his passion or his profound influence on public discourse. Scottsdale honors him as a voice that challenged and inspired," Kwasman said.
Timeline: Charlie Kirk's death and the aftermath
We're taking a look at the timeline from when political activist Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Not long after it happened, supporters mourned at Turning Point USA's HQ in Phoenix. A day later, his body was flown to Phoenix on Air Force Two, and the suspected shooter was arrested two days later.
Dig deeper:
This isn't the only proposed memorial for Kirk in Arizona.
Days after Kirk's death, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen announced his plan to introduce legislation to rename Loop 202 to the "Charlie Kirk Memorial Loop 202."
"This effort ensures that his faith, influence on America's youth, and his devotion to God, family, and country will never be forgotten," a Sept. 16 news release said.