Supporters of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and counter-protesters briefly clashed in New York City’s Times Square on Thursday. A bronze statue commemorating the Turning Point USA founder was unveiled on the first anniversary of his assassination.
No serious injuries were immediately reported, and authorities did not announce any arrests in connection with the clashes. TPUSA supporters organized a brief ceremony to unveil the statue. Both fans and protesters attended the unveiling, and as spectators gathered to observe, opposing cries could be heard across the region. Videos from the scene showed heated exchanges, shouting matches, and minor physical confrontations as the statue was being unveiled. Police officers then stepped in to separate the demonstrators. Shortly after, tensions erupted as demonstrators and Kirk’s supporters clashed. As soon as the Kirk supporters got out of a cab, they were heckled. Counter-protester Von Brown, who showed up wearing a sweatshirt that alluded to Kirk’s murder and continuously yelled profanity-filled slogans at the late activist. During the argument, Zeits accused Brown of racism. The confrontation eventually turned physical. Counter-protesters responded with chants condemning Kirk. Several bystanders also shouted at the marchers as they passed through Times Square. Videos shared online also captured multiple tense moments near Broadway. People from opposing sides traded insults. However, officers quickly intervened to keep the groups apart. The bronze sculpture was created by New York artist Sergio Furnari. Supporters described the statue as a tribute to Kirk’s influence within the conservative movement. Among those leading the memorial was right-wing activist Jake Lang, who addressed supporters using a megaphone. Lang further urged them to remain focused despite repeated interruptions from counter-protesters.
He told the reporters he spent about $100,000 on the project. Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and became one of the most recognisable conservative youth leaders in the United States.
The 6-foot-5-inch bronze sculpture showed Kirk sitting with a microphone and sporting a “FREEDOM” T-shirt. In response to the insults, they declared that “Nazis are losers” and insisted they were not Nazis. Brown started a heated verbal exchange with Charlie Kirk supporters, including Staten Island resident James Zeits, according to The Mirror US . Additional arguments broke out as supporters marched along Seventh Avenue carrying pro-Kirk signs and chanting slogans including “I love Charlie Kirk” and “They can’t kill us all. Lang eventually pulled supporters away from one confrontation as tensions rose, according to The Mirror US.
Brown appeared to shove Zeits as other demonstrators moved in, though people nearby quickly separated the two men before the situation escalated further. His assassination last year triggered widespread reactions across the political spectrum.
