LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Turning Point USA’s college tour returns to Utah, marking its first event in the state since the tragic assassination of its founder, Charlie Kirk, who was killed this month during a speaking engagement.
The upcoming event at Utah State University is expected to draw considerable attention from conservatives, especially following Kirk’s death on September 10 at Utah Valley University. He was shot by a gunman who fired at the crowd while Kirk spoke, prompting nationwide outrage and a surge of activism within conservative circles.
In the wake of this event, many conservative leaders are planning to use the tour as a platform for promoting Kirk's vision, including recruiting young people into the conservative movement. Erika Kirk, his widow, has expressed her commitment to continue her husband’s mission by leading the organization alongside former aides and friends.
Tuesday’s event features prominent conservative influencers like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Glenn Beck, alongside discussions led by guests including Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Andy Biggs. Erika Kirk has stated that the tour and the organization's activities will persist as planned, following the blueprints laid out by her late husband.
Erika Kirk reassured supporters that “nothing is changing,” as she aims to keep producing Kirk's podcasts and engaging with audiences through previously unreleased content from her husband's speeches. She underscored the importance of continuing Kirk’s work and the momentum of the political movement he fostered.
As tributes pour in during the tour, recent speeches have emphasized Kirk's impact on the conservative landscape, urging attendees to carry forward his legacy. Speaking at Virginia Tech, Virginia's Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin called on the audience to step into Kirk’s role, declaring, “You will be the next Charlie.”
Overall, the tour aims not just to commemorate Kirk’s life but to invigorate his mission amidst a complex political climate, solidifying a conservative agenda among youth and revitalizing momentum for Turning Point USA without its iconic leader.
