Senator Ted Cruz was filmed cleaning graffiti about Charlie Kirk in Houston, Texas, on Sunday.
Posting on X, the Texas Republican said he was "erasing evil" graffiti that said "F*** Charlie Kirk" so that "Texans don't have to look at this hateful garbage anymore."
Newsweek has contacted Ted Cruz for comment via email
Why It Matters
While there has been an outpouring of grief from his supporters, as well as his adversaries, after Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday during a question-and-answer session on campus, there has also been some celebration.
The graffiti is the latest evidence of just how politically divided the U.S. is and reveals the different ways in which people are reacting to the death of the activist and President Donald Trump ally.
What To Know
Cruz said that a "deranged b*****d" had put graffiti on the 59 freeway in Houston.
Images and videos showed the white graffiti on a wooden structure on the freeway. Cruz used white paint and a paint roller to cover it. One video of Cruz posted by Fox News was viewed 3.6 million times.
Cruz said that he had contacted the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to remove the graffiti.
Newsweek contacted TxDOT by email to comment on this story outside of normal business hours.
Aside from graffiti, some individuals have also made social media posts celebrating Kirk's demise, triggering a backlash and sometimes disciplinary action from employers.
What People Are Saying
Cruz wrote on X: "Some deranged b*****d put this graffiti on the 59 freeway in Houston.
"TXDOT has been notified & I'm sure sure they will remove it expeditiously.
"But, in the meantime, Texans don't have to look at this hateful garbage anymore."
President Donald Trump said in a video posted on Truth Social on Wednesday: "For years those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world's worst mass murderers and criminals. This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we're seeing in our country today, and it must stop."
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow said during a livestream on Friday: "To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let that happen."
Vice President JD Vance, who shared close ties with Kirk, posted a long message on X in honor of Kirk on Wednesday night, writing: "Charlie Kirk was a true friend. The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him...So much of the success we've had in this administration traces directly to Charlie's ability to organize and convene. He didn't just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government."
What Happens Next
On Friday morning, authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson who faces several charges, including aggravated murder.
He is expected to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Utah County Attorney's Office.
A memorial service for Kirk will take place on Sunday, September 21, in Arizona. Trump is expected to be in attendance.
Turning Point Action said in a Saturday statement, "The event will bring together students, supporters, and national leaders from all across the country, including special guest and Charlie's friend, President Donald Trump, to celebrate Charlie's legacy and continue the fight for the principles he championed."
Related Articles
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.