On September 10, 2025, the world of conservative activism was shaken by the shocking murder of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, during the very first stop of his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The news sent ripples across college campuses nationwide, where Kirk had become a familiar—if polarizing—figure known for sparking fierce debates on gender, race, and immigration policies. Yet, in the immediate aftermath of his death, something remarkable happened: the movement he started didn’t grind to a halt. Instead, it surged forward, fueled by both grief and renewed determination.
According to The Oklahoman, Kirk had already booked appearances at several universities before his untimely death, including the University of Oklahoma, where he was set to host a debate on the South Oval, followed by an evening talk at McCasland Field House. On the evening of September 10, about 100 OU students gathered to mourn him, reflecting the deep impact he had made on young conservatives. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, following a directive from former President Donald Trump, ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff for four days—a gesture mirrored by moments of silence in public schools, although not without controversy. State Superintendent Ryan Walters attempted to mandate a moment of silence on September 16, and at least 12 schools are now under investigation for allegedly failing to comply or neglecting to lower their flags.
The outpouring of support didn’t stop there. Republican lawmakers in Oklahoma introduced bills that would establish Kirk’s birthday as "Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day," require memorials on public college campuses, and formally honor him in the Legislature. Walters even sent instructions on how to start Turning Point USA Club America chapters at Oklahoma high schools, signaling a push to further embed Kirk’s legacy into the state’s educational fabric.
But perhaps the most visible sign that Turning Point USA was determined to press on came with the resumption of its campus tour, now renamed the "This is the Turning Point Tour." The organization wasted no time, holding its first post-Kirk event at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities on September 22. Political commentator Michael Knowles took the stage as guest speaker, and, according to the group’s social media, the venue was packed. The crowd held a powerful moment of silence, chanting Kirk’s name—a poignant tribute to the man who had inspired them. "Charlie passionately wanted to reach and save the lost boys of the West—the young men who feel like they have no direction, no purpose, no faith and no reason to live. … Charlie wanted to help them. He wanted them to have a home with Turning Point USA," said his widow, Erika Kirk, at a public memorial at State Farm Stadium in Arizona on September 21, as reported by Us Weekly.
Erika Kirk’s role in the organization has only grown since her husband’s death. She has been named the new CEO of Turning Point USA and vowed to continue both the campus tour and America Fest. In her first public address after Charlie’s death, Erika announced, “Our campus tour this fall will continue.” True to her word, she will be among the speakers replacing Charlie, along with a roster of high-profile conservatives including Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Glenn Beck. The tour’s momentum is undeniable: Turning Point USA claims to have received over 121,000 requests from high school and college students nationwide to start or join chapters in the two weeks following Kirk’s death.
The tour’s itinerary reflects both ambition and adaptability. On September 24, the American Comeback Tour stopped at Virginia Tech, drawing an estimated 3,000 attendees—a testament to the movement’s enduring appeal. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and commentator Megyn Kelly headlined the event. Kelly told NewsNation that now is the time for conservatives to be “bold” and “unafraid,” adding, “The time to hold your conservative views inside and not tell anybody and hope you can skate by in a liberal world is over.” For many students, the event was less about politics and more about history. John McGraw, a Virginia Tech student, remarked, “Whatever political side you’re on, I think this is an important part of history, especially being a Virginia Tech student.”
Security has been a top priority at these events. Virginia Tech implemented a comprehensive plan: no bags or cameras allowed, ID checks at the door, and mandatory security screenings for all attendees. Other campuses have followed suit, with university police departments coordinating closely with event organizers to ensure a safe environment. At the University of North Dakota, where Charlie Kirk was scheduled to appear on October 9, Glenn Beck will now take his place. UND President Andrew Armacost emphasized the university’s commitment to open discourse, stating, “Universities are a place where ideas need to be talked about, and so whether it’s non-controversial ideas or controversial ideas, we need to have an open forum where our students, our faculty, our staff—and, in fact, the whole community—sees how civil discourse should be undertaken.”
The UND event, set for October 9 at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, has drawn significant attention. Anthony Vettel, president of the UND chapter of Turning Point USA, sees it as a chance to honor Kirk’s mission: “I think it’s a great opportunity to do what he would’ve wanted.” The university will cover security costs, with the University Police Department leading efforts in coordination with Turning Point USA. A vigil held on September 12 at UND drew 250 to 300 participants, underscoring the sense of loss—and resolve—among Kirk’s supporters.
The tour’s reach extends further. On October 16, Turning Point USA will arrive at the University of Oklahoma, though the organization has not yet announced which of its 18 notable speakers—including Tucker Carlson, Glenn Beck, and Vivek Ramaswamy—will appear. Then, on October 21, the tour is scheduled to stop at Indiana University, where Tucker Carlson will headline the event. According to WISH-TV, the 22-year-old suspect in Kirk’s murder has been charged with aggravated murder, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty—a grim reminder of the violence that set this new chapter in motion.
For Turning Point USA, the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder has become a proving ground. The organization, long focused on “identifying, educating, training and organizing students to promote freedom,” now finds itself at the center of a national conversation about free speech, political polarization, and the power of youth movements. Whether one agrees with Kirk’s ideology or not, the events of the past weeks have made one thing clear: his influence endures, and the debates he championed are far from over.
As the tour continues, with new faces at the podium and growing crowds on campus, Turning Point USA’s message—controversial, compelling, and undeniably resilient—remains a force on the American political landscape.
