Turning Point USA will move forward with its first campus event nearly two weeks after the assassination of its co-founder, Charlie Kirk. The event, part of the sold-out “American Comeback Tour,” is scheduled for Monday evening at the University of Minnesota. It marks a significant moment for the conservative student organization as it gathers to honor Kirk’s legacy and continue its mission.
Conservative commentator Michael Knowles, who is set to headline the event, confirmed it will include a tribute to Kirk’s life and work. “There will be an empty chair on stage,” Knowles told Fox & Friends First. “I will give a tribute to Charlie, and then we will open up the floor to an open conversation.” He emphasized that the spirit of debate and open dialogue would remain a cornerstone of the event, encouraging even opposing voices to speak.
The University of Minnesota has announced increased security measures for the gathering. Only preregistered attendees aged 18 and older with valid ID will be admitted. A separate “Prove Me Wrong” session that was initially planned for noon was quietly canceled, although no explanation has been publicly provided.
University President Rebecca Cunningham addressed concerns about safety in a message to students and staff. “Violence has no place at the University or in the communities where we live and work,” she said. Cunningham also highlighted the efforts of the Department of Public Safety to ensure a secure environment for all attendees.
A candlelight vigil for Charlie Kirk is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol. This follows a large-scale memorial service in Arizona, where tens of thousands gathered. Former President Donald Trump and Kirk’s widow, Erika, delivered emotional speeches. Meanwhile, the FBI’s “Arctic Frost” investigation is under renewed scrutiny after it was revealed that Turning Point USA was among 92 Republican-affiliated groups targeted, sparking debate over the agency’s potential political bias.
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