An Italian-born sculpture artist is set to unveil a six-figure tribute to Charlie Kirk in the heart of New York City this week — a move that he hopes will spark dialogue rather than division.Sergio Furnari was still in bed when his daughter came home with the news that Kirk had been assassinated at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Sept.10, 2025."It took me a couple of seconds to connect," Furnari told Fox News Digital.
"And then I kind of was, I would say, saddened by it."ERIKA KIRK REFLECTS ON FIRST YEAR OF GRIEF AFTER CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION IN NYT ESSAYArtist Sergio Furnari's $100,000 sculpture of Charlie Kirk stands ahead of its Times Square unveiling in New York City on Tuesday, Sept.8, 2026.
(Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital)Within weeks, Furnari — who gained attention for his 40-foot sculpture of athlete Cristiano Ronaldo — was fielding calls suggesting he create a tribute to Kirk."I was like, ‘No way, I cannot get involved with politics,’" Furnari said."But I [saw] how Erika [Kirk] got treated, including the parents of Charlie, and that’s what I think became my catalyzer[sic]."ERIKA KIRK COMFORTS A STRANGER IN TEARS DURING HEARING FOR HUSBAND'S ACCUSED ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON"If you’re a parent, no matter if you were Democrat or Republican, you should have a little bit of empathy," he continued.Furnari got to work on the memorial — a 6-foot-5-inch sculpture painted bronze and funded by his own savings.Artist Sergio Furnari sits beside his sculpture of Charlie Kirk ahead of its Times Square unveiling in New York City on Tuesday, Sept.
8, 2026.(Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital)"I did the first one in early December," Furnari said.
"It came out good, different than [the final] one, and without a microphone.For me, it was just to test my skills.""From there on, I became more passionate about it — just because of the way everybody was making fun of him," he added.
"I feel like they killed him once, and they kill him...