Students from the University of Mississippi gathered in the cold and rain to attend the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) tour event at the school, where they welcomed Vice President JD Vance and Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk. The event, hosted at the university’s Pavilion, drew thousands of attendees, many of whom wore MAGA hats and ‘Freedom’ shirts in tribute to the late Turning Point founder, Charlie Kirk. Speakers at the event included Vance and Kirk, who is now the CEO of TPUSA, highlighting the organization’s growing influence and the students’ support for its conservative message. The event was described by some attendees as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience, reflecting the deep enthusiasm and commitment of the young supporters.
TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet shared on X that more than half the student body was packed into the venue, writing, ‘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).’
Fox News Digital spoke with attendees at the event about why they attended, and they shared their support for the VP and TPUSA. ‘This is actually like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,’ shared Ole Miss student Nicholas. ‘We’re honoring Charlie Kirk and his message to the world and I think that it’s really important as a student to stand for what you believe in so that’s why I’m here, and we’ve been standing in the rain,’ shared another student. Riley Gaines, a notable figure in the conservative movement, praised Erika Kirk before the event, calling her ‘a force.’ Attendees also expressed excitement about seeing JD Vance, with some believing he could be the next president.
As the crowd began to gather early in the morning, the event became a significant moment for the university and its students, signaling a renewed interest in conservative politics and the influence of TPUSA. The turnout and the enthusiastic support for the speakers suggest that TPUSA is making a strong mark on the younger generation, with students showing clear alignment with its values and goals.