LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Turning Point USA's college tour will return to Utah on Tuesday for its first event in the state since its founder, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated on a college campus earlier this month.
The stop, at Utah State University in Logan, is about two hours north of Utah Valley University, where Kirk was killed Sept. 10 by a gunman who fired a single shot through the crowd while Kirk was speaking.
The assassination of a top ally of President Donald Trump and one of the most significant figures in his Make America Great Again movement has galvanized conservatives, who have vowed to carry on Kirk's mission of encouraging young voters to embrace conservatism and moving American politics further right. Kirk himself has been celebrated as a “martyr” by many on the right, and Turning Point USA, the youth organization he founded, has seen a surge of interest across the nation, with tens of thousands of requests to launch new chapters in high schools and on college campuses.
Tuesday’s event, originally scheduled before Kirk’s death, is also about showcasing how Turning Point is navigating its future without its charismatic leader, who drew crowds and attention.
The tour now features prominent conservative figures like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Glenn Beck. The Utah stop will include conservative podcast host Alex Clark and a panel with various political leaders, including Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Andy Biggs.
Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, has committed to continuing the college tour and upholding the organization’s mission. She has emphasized, 'Nothing is changing,' conveying her intent to operate within the blueprints laid out by her late husband.
The events thus far have served as tributes to Charlie Kirk, focusing on prayer and audience engagement, ensuring his impact resonates beyond his untimely death. For many attendees, Charlie's legacy remains a guiding force for their political efforts.
