The Loveland Police Department arrested a Loveland man Monday in connection with arson at a Charlie Kirk memorial on someone’s private property after “relentlessly” pursuing him.

David Gilroy, 64, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree arson and resisting arrest, both class two misdemeanors, after an “extensive investigation” connected him to the Saturday night burning of a resident’s private memorial honoring the late Kirk, according to a news release from the City of Loveland.

“What is particularly troubling about this incident is the chilling effect this arsonist is attempting to impact on free speech and expression,” Loveland Police Chief Tim Doran said in an initial news release. “We will not abide criminal conduct in our city, whether it be Tesla bombing terrorists, those setting fire to memorials like this, or any other heinous offenses in between.”

Police first responded to a home in the 200 block of East 23rd Street right before midnight on Saturday on a report of arson, according to the initial release.

The residents of the home had a memorial honoring Charlie Kirk — a conservative political podcaster who was shot and killed on Sept. 10 — placed on the front yard fence. The display included a sign reading, “RIP Charlie Kirk, we stand with you,” surrounded by American flags and solar lights, according to the release.

Someone had ignited the memorial and another person may have thrown a rock at the rear window of the resident’s vehicle, causing extensive damage, police said.

The department is interviewing neighbors and contacting nearby businesses to help solve the “politically motivated” crime.

There were five attempted arsons at Tesla dealership at 1606 N. Lincoln Ave. between January and March, according to the police department. Previous incidents occurred on Jan. 29, Feb. 2, Feb. 7, Feb. 24 and March 7. 

Officers arrested 23-year-old Cooper Jo Frederick and 40-year-old Lucy Grace Nelson in connection to the attempted arsons.

The investigation into Saturday’s incident remains active, as police are still looking for others who could be tied to the broken vehicle window in a related case of criminal mischief, they said.

Anyone with information about the incidents, additional suspects or Gilroy is asked to contact the Loveland Police Department at 970-667-2151 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.