Crime
19-Year-Old Ryder Corral Arrested After Vandalizing Memorial for Charlie Kirk at TPUSA Headquarters
Newly released surveillance footage shows 19-year-old Ryder Corral vandalizing a community memorial established in honor of Charlie Kirk outside Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Arizona.
According to authorities, Corral has been booked on multiple charges, including criminal damage and disorderly conduct.
The video evidence captures him deliberately forcing his way into the tribute space, where mourners had placed flowers, vases, balloons, and American flags.
Corral is seen kicking over and destroying the memorial items as bystanders looked on in shock.
He reportedly advanced nearly 15 yards through the tribute before being subdued by individuals present at the scene and taken into custody by police shortly afterward.
Investigators noted that Corral was wearing the same style of clothing that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson had been seen wearing during the tragic September 10 incident that claimed Charlie Kirk’s life.
Law enforcement confirmed that Corral has no current connection to Robinson’s case but acknowledged the similarities in appearance caught on camera.
Community members expressed outrage at the act, calling it an unnecessary and cruel attack on a space meant for grieving.
“A memorial is where people bring flowers, prayers, tears, and memories,” one attendee said. “To walk into that space and stomp on it is cruel on a level that words can hardly describe.”
Supporters stressed that the act of vandalism inflicted additional pain on Kirk’s family, friends, and followers who had gathered to honor his memory.
Many condemned the behavior as a stark example of hostility overshadowing compassion.
“We have to be better than this,” one community member remarked. “We can debate ideas and challenge viewpoints, but when even a memorial isn’t safe from hate, it shows how much of our humanity is being lost.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and Corral is currently being held on the listed charges.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.