A Loveland man was arrested on September 15 in connection to the arson and criminal mischief that occurred on Saturday, when a Charlie Kirk memorial was set ablaze and a rock was thrown through the rear window of a resident’s vehicle. The incident occurred in the 200 block of East 23rd Street in Loveland, where a resident had a sign reading “RIP Charlie Kirk, we stand with you” alongside several American flags and solar lights. The Longmont Police Department reported extensive damage from the incident.
The Loveland Police Department did not reveal the name of the suspect in its public announcements, but a public booking report shows that David Hunt Gilroy, 64, was arrested by Certified Arson Investigator Justin Atwood on September 15 at 10:17 p.m. for second-degree arson and resisting arrest.
Minutes after the police department received the call on September 13, officers arrived on the scene. Loveland Fire and Rescue Authority extinguished the fire and the department’s arson investigator took control of the scene within the hour.
Initial reports from the department indicate that the crime was politically motivated in the wake of the September 10 assassination of Kirk, who was a conservative commentator and the founder of the nonprofit Turning Point USA. Detectives began speaking with neighbors, local businesses and following up on leads.
“What is particularly troubling about this incident is the chilling effect this arsonist is attempting to impact on free speech and expression,” Loveland Police Chief Tim Doran said. “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.”
The Loveland Police Department said the investigation is still ongoing and they encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact the department at 970-667-2151 or to contact Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.
Kirk was scheduled for an event on the campus of Colorado State University the day after he was murdered. Governor Jared Polis has spoken out against politically-motivated violence in the aftermath of the fatal-attack against Kirk. “We have to send the message from our political leaders, our faith leaders, our civic leaders, that violence is never the answer,” Polis said. “We need to show love and respect for one another. We're better because we disagree.”
