Turning Point USA Event at University of Minnesota to Proceed After Charlie Kirk's Death

A Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event scheduled at the University of Minnesota later this month is set to proceed as planned, even as the conservative student group reels from the death of its founder, Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot last week at Utah Valley University.

The event, part of TPUSA's "American Comeback Tour," is slated for Sept. 22 at Northrop Auditorium on the Minneapolis campus, according to the university's official events calendar. The program is billed as a conversation on conservative values featuring commentator Michael Knowles, followed by a live Q&A.

University policy requires all attendees to be at least 18 years old and to present a government-issued photo ID. Strict bag checks and other security measures will also be in place.

Kirk, who founded TPUSA in 2012 and built it into one of the most influential conservative youth organizations in the U.S., was killed during a campus event in Utah on Sept. 9. His death shocked students, political leaders and supporters nationwide. Former President Donald Trump called him "loved and admired by ALL, especially me," while former President Barack Obama condemned the violence and expressed sympathy for Kirk's wife and children.

The University of Minnesota has not issued a statement specifically addressing Kirk's death but confirmed the TPUSA program remains on its schedule. The event's timing has sparked unease among some students and faculty, who have raised questions about campus safety in light of recent political violence.

Despite the tragedy, TPUSA has signaled it will continue with its fall tour, framing the events as part of Kirk's legacy of engaging young Americans in political debate.