BENTONVILLE, Ark. — A student at Arkansas Tech University has been identified as one of the individuals involved in the defacement of a memorial honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk outside the Bentonville Court House, according to police.
Authorities confirmed that Kerri Melissa Rollo appeared in a widely shared video that shows two women allegedly damaging the public display. The incident, which quickly spread across social media, has triggered widespread backlash and raised questions about accountability.
Video Sparks Outrage
The video, which has been viewed thousands of times online, shows Rollo and her younger sister allegedly tampering with the memorial that had been erected in Kirk’s honor. Community members, conservative organizations, and local residents condemned the act, calling it a deliberate show of disrespect.
“This was not just vandalism — it was a targeted insult against a public memorial,” one Bentonville resident said.
Prior Arrest Record Surfaces
The Arkansas State Police confirmed that Rollo has a prior criminal history. She was arrested during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 71, where she was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
During the same stop, Jacqueline Nichole Maberry, 20, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The revelation of Rollo’s prior arrest added fuel to public frustration as the video continued to circulate online.
Local Restaurant Issues Statement
The controversy quickly spread to Bella’s Table, a Bella Vista restaurant where Rollo reportedly had ties. Community members flooded the business with calls and messages demanding action.
In response, Bella’s Table issued a public statement distancing itself from Rollo:
“We understand your outrage over this incident. The individual who defaced the Charlie Kirk memorial does not represent or define our company, nor the hard-working team that serves our community every day. This person’s actions are not a reflection of our standards, values, or culture. Please know that we are addressing this matter internally with the seriousness it deserves.”
The restaurant urged customers to separate one person’s behavior from the rest of its staff and reaffirmed its commitment to community values.
Removed From Residence
Sources close to the matter confirmed that Rollo has been removed from the residence where she had been staying at the time of the incident. The decision, insiders say, was directly tied to the backlash following the vandalism video.
Investigation Ongoing
The Bentonville Police Department said the defacement case is still under review. As of now, no additional charges have been filed related to the vandalism, though police indicated the investigation remains active.
City officials emphasized that vandalism of memorials is a serious offense, and the case is being handled with full consideration of state law.
Community Reacts
The incident has sparked strong reactions in Bentonville and beyond. Supporters of Charlie Kirk expressed frustration over the lack of immediate charges, while others noted that the controversy underscores broader cultural tensions.
“This isn’t just about one person’s actions,” a local business owner said. “It’s about respect for our community and the values we stand for.”
As the investigation moves forward, both Arkansas Tech University and Bella’s Table may continue to face public scrutiny over their association with Rollo.
Leave a Reply