LOGAN, Utah (AP) – Turning Point USA’s college tour is set to return to Utah for its first event in the state since the assassination of its founder, Charlie Kirk, earlier this month. The event will take place at Utah State University in Logan, approximately two hours north of Utah Valley University, where Kirk was killed on September 10, 2025, by a gunman who fired a single shot during his speech.
The assassination of Kirk, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump and a key figure in the conservative movement, has energized conservatives across the nation. Many have pledged to uphold Kirk’s legacy of promoting conservatism among young voters and advancing American politics to the right. Following his death, Kirk has been heralded as a "martyr" and interest in Turning Point USA has surged, with numerous requests for new chapters in schools and colleges.
Tuesday’s event, initially scheduled before Kirk's assassination, aims to highlight the organization’s future direction without its charismatic leader. The college tour has enlisted prominent conservative figures like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Glenn Beck to headlined events. This particular gathering incorporates a panel featuring conservative podcast host Alex Clark, Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Andy Biggs, former Rep. Jason Chaffetz, and Gov. Spencer Cox.
Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, has committed to continuing the mission of the organization. She now co-leads Turning Point USA with several of her late husband's former aides. In a statement, Erika emphasized her resolve to keep operations in alignment with her husband’s vision, stating, “We’re not going anywhere. We have the blueprints. We have our marching orders.” Furthermore, she announced that the daily podcast will continue under a rotating cast of hosts while incorporating clips and previously unseen material of her husband.
While Erika Kirk intends to take on a more behind-the-scenes role, Mikey McCoy, Kirk’s former chief of staff, described her as a “very strategic” leader, in daily contact with the Trump administration, indicating a different approach compared to her late husband.
The subsequent events have served not only as tributes to Charlie Kirk but also as gatherings for prayer and discussion. At Virginia Tech, Governor Glenn Youngkin called upon the attendees to carry on Kirk’s legacy, telling them they could each embody his spirit. He lauded Erika for her leadership and resilience during this challenging time.
Similarly, at the University of Minnesota, conservative commentator Michael Knowles spoke in lieu of the originally planned two-man conversation with Kirk, maintaining his legacy by conducting a question-and-answer session with the audience. Knowles noted that Kirk’s ability to unite differing conservative factions would be hard to replace, expressing concerns about the potential fragmentation of the MAGA movement without Kirk's unifying presence.
As the college tour progresses, it remains a significant moment for Turning Point USA, reflecting on the impact of Charlie Kirk’s work while mapping its future direction amid the challenges posed by his absence.
