Sculptor Charlie Kirk reports online harassment after announcing plans for a new installation in Times Square.

Italian sculptor Sergio Furnari has announced plans to install a statue of the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Times Square this September, coinciding with the first anniversary of Kirk’s assassination. Furnari, who has spent years as a prominent figure in New York’s art community, aims to commemorate what he believes to be Kirk’s enduring legacy of free speech. Kirk, who served as the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was killed at age 31 while addressing students at Utah Valley University in Salt Lake City on September 10, 2025.

Furnari has been documenting his progress on social media platforms, garnering both support and criticism. He has initiated a funding campaign to raise 0,000 to support the project and has sold his apartment to contribute to the statue’s completion. So far, the crowdfunding effort has accumulated approximately ,500, revealing a significant gap between Furnari’s ambition and the financial reality he faces.

The statue, which depicts Kirk seated and holding a microphone, mirrors his posture at the time of the tragic shooting. Kirk was known for his provocative statements, which often elicited strong reactions from both supporters and detractors.

While many comments on Furnari’s social media pages have been positive, a significant number of responses reflect hostility toward the idea of commemorating Kirk in a city like New York, known for its diverse viewpoints. Some commenters have articulated sentiments wishing to destroy the statue, implying that it would be treated with disdain upon its installation.

Furnari’s intention is to promote the concept of free speech, despite admitting that he did not agree with all of Kirk’s viewpoints. He articulated a belief in the importance of expressing oneself freely while also emphasizing the necessity of respect and understanding for differing perspectives.

This endeavor is not Furnari’s first attempt at creating public art; he previously faced challenges when a sculpture intended as a tribute to healthcare workers during the pandemic was removed from Central Park for lack of a proper permit. As the installation date approaches, the discussion surrounding the statue promises to remain a contentious topic, reflecting the polarizing nature of Kirk’s legacy in contemporary American society.

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