Turning Point USA (TPUSA) held a memorial event at Montana State University, drawing thousands of attendees as part of its ‘This is the Turning Point’ tour. The tour, launched in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, is commemorating the influential conservative activist who played a pivotal role in the political landscape. The event featured prominent guests such as Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Vivek Ramaswamy, who both took the stage to speak about Kirk’s impact and the values he stood for.
At the event, Gianforte led the audience in prayer, reflecting on Kirk’s legacy and his contributions to the conservative movement. Gianforte spoke about Kirk’s self-education, highlighting how he developed his knowledge of economics, history, and various philosophies without formal college education. He emphasized Kirk’s commitment to learning from great minds and engaging in respectful debate. Gianforte’s tribute was followed by Ramaswamy, who took the opportunity to discuss the importance of free speech. Ramaswamy argued that debate should remain uncensored and that words should not be equated with violence. He stated, ‘It’s not just about our constitutional principles. That’s America. That’s who we are.’ His words underscored the core values of TPUSA and the broader conservative movement.
The event also served as a platform for TPUSA to honor Kirk’s contributions, particularly his role in Trump’s 2024 presidential victory. His influence on young Republican voters was noted as a key factor in securing the win. Following his assassination, TPUSA has experienced a notable surge in popularity, with a significant increase in new chapter formations. The organization reported receiving over 120,000 inquiries for new campus chapters within just four days after the event. TPUSA currently operates 900 official college chapters and approximately 1,200 high school chapters.
Furthermore, Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona was attended by major political figures, religious leaders, and media personalities. Trump acknowledged Kirk’s role in galvanizing young Republican voters, emphasizing his contribution to the 2024 campaign. The event in Montana was part of a broader effort to keep Kirk’s legacy alive and to continue promoting the values that he represented within the conservative movement. With TPUSA’s continued expansion and Kirk’s enduring influence, the organization remains a pivotal player in shaping the political narrative for the future.