Welcome to Arrest Stories. A twenty-three-year-old woman faces charges after allegedly vandalizing a memorial for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk at the Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, with the incident captured on video and leading to her identification by internet sleuths. Here's what may have happened.
On Sunday, a makeshift memorial was established at the bottom of the Benton County courthouse steps, dedicated to Charlie Kirk. The tribute included candles, notes, and other memorial items left by community members honoring the slain conservative activist.
Just one day later, video footage surfaced online showing two individuals at the memorial site engaged in destructive behavior. According to police reports, the video captured suspects "shouting obscenities, kicking over candles, and ripping up the notes" left by mourners. The vandalism was thorough and deliberate, with perpetrators tearing up signs and kicking items that comprised the memorial.
By Tuesday, the memorial had been removed entirely from the courthouse steps. The Sheriff's Office learned of the vandalism incident that same day and launched a swift investigation. Internet sleuths worked to identify the suspects from the video footage circulating on social media.
On Wednesday, Kerri Rollo was arrested during a traffic stop for possession of drug paraphernalia. She now faces additional charges related to the memorial vandalism, with no bond currently set.
Officials condemned the actions in strong terms. One statement declared, "This was not protest. It was contempt and a deliberate act of intolerance. Those candles were not just wax and paper. They were sacred acts of grief."
Authorities emphasized that the department "takes acts of vandalism, particularly those directed toward community memorials, very seriously." Another official characterized the behavior as "shameful, un-American" and evidence of "a growing faction that does not want debate, does not want dialogue, and does not respect freedom of expression."
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.