CAMINO, Calif. — A memorial erected in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the safety fence above Highway 50 in Camino was destroyed shortly after it was displayed on September 11, 2025, community members say. The display, which included flags and signs bearing the initials “CK,” was donated and installed by Hervé Leconte and others but was later found defaced and torn.
What Happened
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On the morning of September 11, Leconte and others hung a tribute on the overpass fence above U.S. Highway 50 near Newtown Road and Smith Flat Road. The display included American flags and signs bearing “CK.”
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That afternoon, several residents reported the memorial had been vandalized: the flags were shredded, the signs slashed or knocked down.
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According to witnesses, someone had intentionally torn and cut the display.
Eyewitness Accounts
Trina Butler told local contacts:
“I saw the signs that said CK, on the bridge that is above Hwy 50 near Newtown road and Smith Flat Rd. I felt honor for Charlie Kirk. Then, when I drove past again, I saw that someone had slashed and knocked them down.”
Mike Golub reported:
“Saw that 8am this morning and loved it.. But by 1pm when I drove by it again someone or someones torn down the white CK signs and shredded the American Flags leaving the rags behind…”
Julie Seth Leconte, wife of Hervé Leconte, who helped hang the display, provided updates and photos of two desecrated flags and expressed both gratitude and heartbreak:
“It is quite upsetting to see the viciousness of the slashing up close. These flags were lovingly placed in remembrance of 911 along with banners to honor Charlie Kirk who was horrifically murdered in public. My husband, Hervé Leconte, a legal immigrant and now proud American citizen, has (anonymously) been hanging flags on the overpass for more than 10 years now (with no issues)…”
She added that El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office deputies—specifically Deputies Jones and Kinsley—were involved and returned the damaged flags to the family.
Context & Stakeholders
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Hervé Leconte and his family have a history of display on the overpass: placing flags on holidays and memorial dates, including July 4th, without incident.
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El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO) responded; deputies Jones and Kinsley have been acknowledged for their respectful handling of the damaged property.
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Other community members expressed anger, sadness, and calls for restitution or consequences.
Local Reaction
Many locals voiced outrage over what they view as desecration of patriotic symbols and memorials. Examples:
Cris Alarcon: “I hope it was caught on video. Those losers need fines and to pay restitution.”
Linda Irwin: “I pray for them. Terrible. You live in America and that is our flag. Shame on you. Hope you were on camera.”
Todd Purdy: “When I drove under them in the late afternoon it looked like somebody tore them down… I hope karma is Swift and Powerful.”
Investigation & Next Steps
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At this time, no arrests have been reported in connection with the vandalism.
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It is not known whether surveillance cameras captured the act.
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EDSO has at least been involved in returning damaged property to the family.
Why It Matters to El Dorado County
Camino is a small community where local displays of patriotism and community values are deeply felt. The overpass is a visible landmark for both travelers and residents. Vandalism of a memorial is seen by many locals not only as a physical violation but also as an offense to shared values of respect, free expression, and remembrance of national tragedies.
