In the aftermath of a tragic incident that impacted the conservative community, Turning Point USA, an organization founded by Charlie Kirk, is proceeding with its college tour. Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, raising serious concerns about safety and the organization’s mission. Nevertheless, participants and supporters are committed to honoring his legacy by continuing the tour, a key aspect of Turning Point USA’s outreach efforts to young Americans.
As the tour resumes, a strong sense of commitment is evident among speakers and attendees. They believe Kirk would have wanted the events to carry on, reflecting resilience in the wake of adversity. Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point, noted that the team showed no hesitation in continuing the tour. “Everyone we reached out to was enthusiastic, and we managed to book the entire tour in just a few hours,” Kolvet said.
Resilience in the face of adversity
The first event following Kirk’s death attracted over 1,600 attendees at the University of Minnesota, where political commentator Michael Knowles took the stage. A vibrant display of red and white MAGA hats filled the audience, with many holding up photographs of Kirk while chanting his name, embodying a spirit of unity and remembrance.
High-profile speakers join the tour
The tour is set to feature notable political figures, including Senator Mike Lee, Governor Spencer Cox, and Representative Andy Biggs in Utah. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy is scheduled to speak at Montana State University, while Governor Jeff Landry is expected to appear in Louisiana. The lineup also includes media personalities such as Tucker Carlson and comedian Rob Schneider, along with Christian author Frank Turek.
Despite initial safety concerns, many involved with Turning Point USA are determined to participate in these events. Alex Clark, a prominent influencer and podcast host, initially considered stepping back from public appearances after the tragedy but quickly reevaluated her decision. “After a couple of days, I realized we needed to return to campus,” Clark stated, reflecting a collective resolve to continue the dialogue.
Enhanced security measures
In response to the shooting, officials at Utah Valley University have initiated a comprehensive review of their security protocols. The campus police chief reported a significant police presence at the event; however, some attendees noted that bags were not thoroughly checked upon entry. The university has not confirmed whether security measures included inspections of nearby rooftops.
Clark reassured attendees that security protocols would be significantly enhanced moving forward. “We had strict security for our indoor events already, but now we’re taking it up a notch,” she explained. Measures will include mandatory security checkpoints for all attendees, including staff, thorough bag inspections, and an increased police presence at events.
Student leaders express their thoughts
Kaitlin Griffiths, a 19-year-old president of the Turning Point chapter at Utah State, is actively coordinating communications for an upcoming event featuring Governor Cox. She expressed confidence in the security arrangements but acknowledged the inherent risks associated with political gatherings. “I trust the security teams, especially since the event will be indoors. Still, I’m aware that discussions might be contentious,” Griffiths stated. The event will implement a no-bag policy to enhance safety.
However, not all students share the same level of concern. Owen Hurd, treasurer of the Turning Point chapter at Indiana University Bloomington, expressed enthusiasm for Carlson’s upcoming appearance. “We’re not intimidated at all. We refuse to be deterred by threats or opposition,” he asserted, highlighting a collective determination among the organization’s members.
Conversely, Allie Beth Stuckey, a conservative commentator and podcaster, is adopting a more cautious approach for her upcoming event at Louisiana State University. Stuckey has implemented heightened security measures for her Christian women’s event scheduled in Dallas. “I believe in balancing courage with prudence. While this tragedy has made us more vigilant, it has also strengthened our resolve to engage and advocate,” she remarked.
