A 6-foot-5-inch bronze statue commemorating conservative activist Charlie Kirk was unveiled in Times Square on the anniversary of his assassination, drawing both supporters and protesters to the event.
Sergio Furnari, the Italian-born sculptor who created the statue, funded the $100,000 project himself. The sculpture depicts Kirk seated while holding his signature microphone, wearing a T-shirt with the word ‘FREEDOM’ printed on it. Furnari stated the statue was intended to spark dialogue rather than division, emphasizing his motivation came from empathy for Kirk’s family following criticism of his parents and widow.
The unveiling occurred one year after Kirk was assassinated at a Turning Point USA event in Utah on September 10, 2025. Furnari told Fox News Digital that he initially hesitated to take on the project but was moved by the treatment of Kirk’s family. He completed the statue within five months, with an earlier prototype created in December 2025.
Chaos erupts during unveiling
The event in Midtown Manhattan quickly turned confrontational as protesters and supporters clashed. Daily Mail footage showed participants pushing and shoving, with some yelling expletives and throwing objects. Protesters were recorded directing insults at the statue and the sculptor, while others stood with hands raised as tensions escalated. Police presence was noted, though no immediate arrests were reported.
Traffic in the area was halted due to the crowd, which included onlookers and participants. One man draped in an American flag was seen arguing with protesters, while another group positioned themselves in front of the statue. Furnari, who was present at the unveiling, did not comment publicly on the altercations.
Context and reactions
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent conservative commentator known for his advocacy on free speech and political activism. His assassination sparked widespread debate over political violence and ideological divisions in the U.S. Furnari’s decision to create the statue has drawn both praise and criticism, with some viewing it as a tribute and others as a provocation.
The statue’s unveiling coincides with ongoing discussions about memorializing controversial public figures. Furnari has stated he hopes the artwork will encourage reflection rather than further division, though the event’s outcome suggests differing interpretations of its purpose.