A bomb squad rushed to Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona after a ‘suspicious bag’ was left outside, police said.
The mysterious bag was spotted outside the non-profit, founded by Charlie Kirk, on Wednesday morning, a spokesperson with the Phoenix Police Department told the Daily Mail.
A bomb robot arrived at the scene, along with a bomb squad official dressed in a Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) suit, a picture taken by Newsmax journalist John Huddy showed.
The street outside the building was cleared out of precaution. It is unclear what, if anything, was found inside the bag.
‘There is not a threat associated with this incident. Updates will be given out as they become available,’ authorities added.
Yellow police tape has been set up at the scene, along with Phoenix Police Department vehicles.
The frightening news comes a week after Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.
A funeral for the late father-of-two is set to be held Sunday at State Farm Stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals.
A bomb squad rushed to Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona Wednesday morning
Kirk, 31, died last Wednesday after he was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University. (Pictured: The late activist with his wife Erika)
The Daily Mail contacted Turning Point USA for comment.
Kirk was best known for his debates with students at events such as the one he was holding at UVU, where he sparred with young liberals on issues such as abortion and gun control.
He held the events through his organization Turning Point USA, which Kirk co-founded with his mentor Bill Montgomery.
Montgomery died in July 2020 aged 80 due to complications from Covid-19, eight years after starting the conservative action group with Kirk.
He met Kirk when the young debater was just 18 after hearing him speak at a college event, and has often been described as his mentor who guided Kirk into the political world.
A growing memorial is seen outside the building in honor of Turning Point USA’s founder Charlie Kirk
Ryder Corral, 19, was charged with criminal damage and disorderly conduct for destroying a Charlie Kirk memorial on Sunday morning outside the non-profit’s headquarters
Montgomery provided funding for Turning Point USA to get off the ground, and reportedly advised Kirk to skip college and dedicate himself to making the organization one of the most influential in the nation.
Following the Republican’s death, several memorials have popped up across the nation, including one where a 19-year-old was arrested for destruction.
Ryder Corral was charged with criminal damage and disorderly conduct for kicking over flowers, vases, flags and balloons as he forced his way through the public tribute at the non-profit’s headquarters Sunday morning.
Disturbing footage and pictures showed Corral wearing the exact same t-shirt and outfit worn by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson when he allegedly shot and killed Kirk.
The shirt was black and long-sleeved with an eagle perched on an American flag between the words ‘land of the free, home of the brave.’ Corral also wore long dark blue pants similar to Robinson.
Kirk is seen speaking just before he was fatally shot last week on campus
This same design was visible in FBI-released images of Robinson during the nationwide manhunt following Kirk’s assassination last week.
According to reports, Corral managed to make it about 15 yards through the crowd before he was subdued by bystanders and taken into custody by police. He managed to destroy some items placed at the memorial.
Officers were already in the area assisting with traffic control when they were alerted to the situation.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
