The incident was stopped by bystanders before police made an arrest, with no injuries reported. (Image: X/ @RT_com)
On Sunday morning, a 19-year-old male was taken into custody for reportedly breaking into and damaging a community memorial to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) offices in Phoenix. The incident occurred just days before a planned mega event to honor Kirk's life.
According to reports and circulating online videos, the suspect, identified as Ryder Corral, approached the memorial set up in front of the TPUSA building near 48th Street and Beverly Road. He allegedly began damaging the tribute, which was created to remember Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10th at an event in Utah.
The situation was quickly contained by bystanders. A video clip shows a man in a blue t-shirt grabbing Corral and throwing him to the ground, holding him there until law enforcement arrived. Police, who were already in the area for traffic control, then took the suspect into custody.
Ryder Corral is a 19-year-old from Arizona. He was detained at the scene by witnesses before responding officers formally arrested him. The Phoenix Police Department reported that there were no serious injuries as a result of the incident.
Ryder Corral now faces multiple criminal charges for his alleged actions. The charges filed against him include criminal damage and disorderly conduct. He was transported from the scene and processed by local authorities.
The vandalism incident comes at a somber time for the organization. TPUSA is moving forward with plans to host a major memorial service to celebrate the life of its co-founder, Charlie Kirk. The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Doors will open at 8:00 AM, with the service beginning at 11:00 AM.
In a previous statement, the organization vowed to continue Kirk's work, saying, "We honor him not only with our words, but with our actions. We will move forward together, fighting harder, standing taller, and refusing to surrender.” The arrest at their headquarters underscores the heightened emotions surrounding the tragic loss of their leader.
