Bentonville, AR – A 20-year-old Arkansas Tech University student has been identified as a suspect in the vandalism of a Charlie Kirk memorial outside the Benton County Courthouse, prompting swift backlash and a public response from a local restaurant where she was reportedly employed.
The memorial, set up Sunday to honor the slain conservative activist, was toppled just a day later by two individuals who appeared on video “shouting obscenities, kicking over candles, and ripping up notes,” according to Benton County Justice of the Peace Joseph Bollinger.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Bollinger condemned the destruction as “contempt and a deliberate act of intolerance,” calling the candles “sacred acts of grief” and accusing the vandals of trying to “silence voices some on the left cannot defeat with ideas.”
Online researchers identified the alleged suspect as Kerri Melissa Rollo, a student at Arkansas Tech University, and her younger sister as the second individual involved. Rollo has also been linked to Bella’s Table, a Bella Vista restaurant that issued a statement Monday after facing community backlash.
“We understand your outrage over this incident,” the restaurant said. “The individual who defaced Charlie Kirk’s memorial does not represent or define our company, nor the hard-working team that serves our community every day. This person’s actions are not a reflection of our standards, values, or culture. Please know that we are addressing this matter internally with the seriousness it deserves.”
The restaurant did not confirm employment status changes, though unverified reports on social media claim Rollo has since been terminated. Arkansas Tech University has not publicly commented on the matter.
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The incident has fueled broader political tension in the community, with some residents calling the vandalism an attack on free expression and others urging restraint until official charges are announced.
Key Points
- A Charlie Kirk memorial in Bentonville was vandalized one day after being set up, with candles and notes destroyed.
- Online investigators identified Arkansas Tech student Kerri Melissa Rollo and her younger sister as the suspects.
- Bella’s Table restaurant in Bella Vista issued a statement distancing itself from Rollo after backlash.