Landry pushes LSU statue for Charlie Kirk sparks free speech debate

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry on Monday urged the LSU Board of Supervisors to install a statue of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the university campus, a proposal that drew a swift public rebuttal from LSU guard Flaujae Johnson and reignited debate over campus memorials and free speech. Landry made the appeal in a video recorded beside the university’s Tiger mascot shortly after a Turning Point USA event held on campus, saying the statue would “defend the freedom of speech on college campuses” and challenging the board to “find a place to put a statue of Charlie Kirk.”

Landry, who spoke at the Turning Point event, said more than 1,500 people attended. Turning Point USA was founded by Kirk, who was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Prosecutors in Utah have charged 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson with aggravated murder and related counts and said they will seek the death penalty. Courts are still managing pretrial proceedings, including rules on cameras and security measures at hearings.

Johnson, a senior guard who helped LSU capture the 2023 national championship and who is also involved in the music industry, quote-tweeted Landry’s...