Hours before Vice President JD Vance and Erika Kirk arrived at the Turning Point USA campus event, hundreds of Ole Miss students had already begun forming lines outside The Pavilion. The crowd began gathering early in the morning, with students carrying umbrellas and handmade signs to express their support for the event and the late Charlie Kirk. The atmosphere was electric as students donned MAGA hats and ‘Freedom’ shirts, symbolically honoring Kirk, who was assassinated last month. Despite the pouring rain, the determination of the students was unwavering.
Leslie Lachman, president of the Turning Point USA chapter at Ole Miss, shared her enthusiasm for the event’s significance. She described the scene as ‘absolute electric’ and noted the university’s strong support for the conservative message of TPUSA. Lachman emphasized that the event at Ole Miss was a testament to the group’s growing influence and the deep sense of community among students. “We are so beyond thrilled that they chose Ole Miss,” Lachman said, adding that the university’s conservative leaning made it an ideal location for the event.
The event marked Erika Kirk’s inaugural appearance on the national college tour of Turning Point USA, where she is scheduled to engage in a live Q&A with students, a format inspired by her late husband’s campus speaking events. Despite the tragedy of Kirk’s assassination, Lachman noted that it had only strengthened the resolve of the students. “People came together in prayer and vigil. They want to be more involved with the campus now more than ever,” she said.
Andrew Kolvet, a TPUSA Spokesman, provided additional insight into the event’s scale on social media, stating that over half the student body had signed up for the event. “Over HALF of the student body (14,000 of 27,000 students) registered for tonight’s event (along with 13,000 adults we couldn’t fit).” This figure underscores the event’s importance in the broader context of TPUSA’s campus engagement efforts. Lachman also highlighted the contrast between the reception at Ole Miss and the pushback faced by other universities that have resisted the group’s message, emphasizing her pride in attending an institution that supports TPUSA.
As the event unfolded, it became clear that the gathering was not only a tribute to Kirk but also a significant moment for the university and the broader conservative movement. The energy of the students and the overwhelming turnout reflected a deep commitment to the principles of conservative activism, despite the challenges posed by the rain and the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s death.