New College of Florida plans to build statue of Charlie Kirk on campus

Charlie Kirk speaks at Texas A&M University as part of Turning Point USA's American Comeback Tour on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (Meredith Seaver/College Station Eagle via AP)

SARASOTA, Florida -- A liberal arts college on Florida’s southwest coast plans to honor Charlie Kirk. The New College of Florida announced Tuesday that it will commission a statue of Kirk, a conservative activist, on its campus.

The college said the statue will “honour his legacy and incredible work.”

The college, based in Sarasota, said the statue will be privately funded by community leaders and “will stand on campus as a commitment by New College to defend and fight for free speech and civil discourse in American life.”

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested on Sept. 12 and was charged on Tuesday with aggravated murder.