Turning Point USA, a conservative non-profit organization co-founded by Charlie Kirk, has commenced a new tour since the death of its leader, bringing along several well-known Republican commentators and officials. Kirk had planned on hosting his “American Comeback Tour” this fall by attending colleges across the nation. However, he was shot and killed by a gunman on September 10 at the first stop on his list, Utah Valley University. A few days later, Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, was named CEO of TPUSA. In a livestream following the shooting, Erika expressed that she believes Kirk’s message would now spread even further. To those who supported or celebrated her husband’s death, Mrs. Kirk stated, “you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world.” She also announced that the tour would continue even in her husband’s absence.
The organization’s “This is the Turning Point Tour” began on September 22 at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, hosted by conservative political commentator Michael Knowles. Knowles has worked with The Daily Wire and is the host of political podcast “The Michael Knowles Show.” The event drew thousands of students, as well as a small group of protestors.
The next event was held at Virginia Tech, hosted by conservative commentator Megyn Kelly and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. Kelly is known for her podcast, “The Megyn Kelly Show.” She is registered as an independent, but has claimed she voted for Donald Trump in both the 2020 and 2024 elections. Governor Youngkin took office in 2022 as a member of the Republican Party. Turnout remained high, and many attendees even traveled across the state to come to the event.
On September 30, an event was held at Utah State University with Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Arizona Representative Andy Biggs, conservative podcast host Alex Clark, Utah Senator Mike Lee and former Utah Representative Jason Chaffetz. Before the event started, an unidentified bag sparked concern, and law enforcement officers were called to investigate. In an abundance of caution, a bomb squad detonated the object. Afterwards, police determined there was no threat to campus safety. The event was determined safe to continue as planned with strict security checks.
The next event took place at Montana State University on October 7, with entrepreneur and politician Vivek Ramaswamy and Montana Governor Greg Gianforte. Around three thousand people attended. The discussion began in prayer and was centered around the importance of free speech.
More events are scheduled through November at universities across the country. Other guest speakers include Tucker Carlson, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and conservative podcaster Allie Beth Stuckley.