More than 2,000 individuals gathered in an auditorium at the University of Minnesota for the first Turning Point USA event since Charlie Kirk’s assassination, according to a report.
The “This is the Turning Point” tour stop, which took place after Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10, was hosted by conservative commentator and author Michael Knowles, as reported by MPR News.
“Charlie achieved more in his 31 years than most people could achieve in several lifetimes,” Knowles stated in his opening remarks. “His most notable achievements were political, but his most significant were religious. He wished to be remembered for his faith.”
Knowles later answered questions from audience members on subjects such as women’s suffrage and media bias, MPR News noted. Turning Point USA shared a video on X showing attendees chanting “Charlie! Charlie!”
Around 50 demonstrators held a protest near the auditorium, holding signs that had messages including “Say No to Hate,” according to MPR News.
“While we do not in any way support the actions that resulted in his death, we likewise do not endorse the things he advocated in life,” protester Trey Brumley told the station.
“The American Comeback Tour” commenced on September 10 at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot by the alleged assailant Tyler Robinson. The tour’s second stop was last Thursday at Colorado State University, where a vigil was held instead.
Attendees line up to attend Monday’s event at the University of Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The renamed tour’s next stop is Wednesday night at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. On the tour’s official website, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is listed among the speakers.
