by Arkansas – Two Arkansas sisters, Kerri and Kaylee Rollo, have sparked controversy after they were caught on camera vandalizing a memorial for the assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Now, after losing their jobs and facing legal consequences, the sisters are asking the public for financial help to cover their legal fees.
The incident has ignited a heated debate around free speech rights versus respect for human grief, placing Kerri, 23, and Kaylee, 22, at the center of national discussion following their arrest and subsequent firing from employment.
The Video that Sparked Outrage
The sisters were filmed destroying a memorial composed of candles and signs on the Benton County Courthouse steps dedicated to Charlie Kirk. In the footage, Kerri, who uses they/them pronouns, was seen aggressively tearing the signs and kicking over candles. They shouted, “F–k Charlie Kirk” multiple times while flipping middle fingers at the camera, illustrating the depth of their anger.
Following the viral spread of the video, local law enforcement arrested the sisters on September 17, charging them with first-degree criminal mischief. Together, they posted bond set at $22,500.
Legal Trouble and Social Consequences
After the arrests, significant personal consequences followed:
- Kerri was terminated from their position at a restaurant in Arkansas.
- Kaylee experienced a breakup and was asked to move out by her boyfriend.
- Both sisters have reported being doxxed and harassed online.
The sisters also established a GoFundMe campaign seeking $18,000 to cover their legal expenses. As of Wednesday afternoon, they have raised nearly $15,000. However, the campaign has also attracted troll donations accompanied by critical comments condemning their actions.
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“My sibling and I are being doxxed online and my sibling was fired from their job. Please help my sibling while they look for another job and stand against the tyranny that is creeping into the country.”
— Kaylee Rollo in GoFundMe appeal
Community Response and Legal Perspectives
Benton County officials and local residents expressed disapproval of the sisters’ actions. Justice of the Peace Joseph Bollinger emphasized that while freedom of expression is a right, it does not extend to vandalizing a memorial which represents a grieving community.
“You’re not just trampling on their freedom of expression, you’re trampling on the memory of a person. You’re trampling on our Benton County values.”
Kirk’s supporters and many others condemned the disrespect shown to a memorial honoring a man tragically assassinated less than two weeks earlier.
Lacy Christian, mother of Kaylee’s boyfriend, stated:
“I will never allow someone to live in my home who is OK with destroying a memorial for someone else.”
Background: The Tragic Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a rising conservative figure, was fatally shot on September 10 at Utah Valley University during an event on his American Comeback Tour. The suspected assassin, Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged with aggravated murder and firearm-related offenses.
- Kirk was shot in the neck and died at the scene.
- President Donald Trump and other political figures have called for the death penalty for Robinson.
- Kirk’s funeral is scheduled for September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
- He is survived by his wife and two young children.
This information underscores the sensitivity surrounding memorials dedicated to Kirk, adding gravity to the sisters’ vandalism incident.
What Can We Learn Moving Forward?
The case highlights the tensions between freedom of speech and respect for those mourning public figures. It also draws attention to the consequences of actions that many see as crossing societal boundaries of decency.
- Respectful discourse is vital, especially in times of collective mourning.
- Actions perceived as hateful or destructive may carry legal and social penalties.
- Community values often clash with individual expressions when involving sensitive topics like memorials.
As the sisters await court proceedings with significant legal fees mounting, their story serves as a cautionary tale about respecting others’ rights to mourn and the boundaries of protest.
What do you think about this situation? Have you ever witnessed or been involved in a controversy over memorials or free speech? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
