A man was arrested at the University of New Mexico after allegedly attempting to steal Turning Point USA signs during a campus tabling event. According to video of the incident, the man, who was masked, argued with individuals at the Turning, Point USA table, objecting to their buttons that criticized socialism. At one point, he referred to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, stating, ‘Kirk got shot in the neck for a reason.’ The video, shared by Frontlines TPUSA, is described as edited, making it difficult to determine the exact sequence of events before his arrest by campus police.
The University of New Mexico, through its executive director for strategic communications, Ben Cloutier, reiterated the institution’s commitment to the principles of free speech and its role as a public square for debate. The university emphasized its dedication to protecting constitutionally protected expression while ensuring the safety of its campus community. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Cloutier stated, ‘The University of New Mexico is firmly committed to the principles of free speech and values its role as a public square for debate, a marketplace of ideas, and a place to test and challenge competing viewpoints and opinions.’
The incident has sparked renewed attention to the ongoing impact of Kirk’s assassination on campus activism. Since his death, the demand for new Turning Point USA chapters has surged, with more than 120,000 students reportedly inquiring about launching new high school and college chapters in the weeks following Kirk’s tragic demise. This surge has underscored the continued influence of Kirk’s assassination on political discourse and student activism.