LOVELAND, Colo. (KDVR) – A Loveland family is speaking out after the burning of their memorial to Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed on Sept. 10, during an event at Utah Valley University.
The incident happened Saturday evening. In addition to the memorial being burned, the back window of the family’s SUV was smashed as five children slept inside the home.
On Tuesday, the Loveland Police Department reported that they had arrested a suspect, David Hunt Gilroy, 64, who faces second-degree arson and resisting arrest charges in connection with the incident.
“It’s a sign like are you kidding me, for a man that was wrongfully shot,” the father told FOX31.
The Loveland family interviewed with FOX31, but asked not to be identified as they “fear additional attacks.”
“It’s important to hear everyone’s speech everyone’s mind their words and what they have to say that’s what America thrives on,” said the father.
The resident said that they are relieved to know an arrest has been made in the case.
“I want to say thank you to the Loveland Police Department,” he said.
While the resident said he appreciates the efforts of law enforcement, he feels Colorado’s laws should allow for tougher penalties for arson charges.
“What do you think we’re allowing to say to the people that they can just go and burn people’s stuff down and they’re just going to get a misdemeanor,” said the father.
The Loveland Police Department’s spokesperson, Chris Padgett, explained that the state statute doesn’t allow for a felony charge in this case.
“If new information is gathered if it changes the circumstances as we go then that’s something we will revisit with the District Attorney” Padgett said.
However, Padgett noted that this type of vandalism is taken seriously.
“A political sign, maybe it’s a religious view something that they’re sharing and if they’re afraid that people are going to come set their yards on fire do things to damage their vehicles then there’s going to be a fear there that could suppress their free speech” said Padgett.
Loveland’s Police Chief Tim Doran had spoken about the incident on social media, citing that the department was pursuing leads but preliminary findings had indicated the incident was politically motivated.
“What is particularly troubling about this incident is the chilling effect this arsonist is attempting to impact on free speech and expression. We will not abide criminal conduct in our city, whether it be Tesla bombing terrorists, those setting fire to memorials like this, or any other heinous offenses in between. The Loveland Police Department is committed to protecting and serving our residents without favor or bias,” said Doran previously.
Police said the investigation is still ongoing and may be tied to another vandalism case. Anyone with information should contact the Loveland Police Department at (970) 667-2151 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at (970) 221-6868.
Friends of the family have also organized a fundraiser for the Loveland family, which can be found on GoFundMe’s website.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
