By Adeola AdeosunShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberTurning Point USA (TPUSA) is hosting a four-day conference this weekend in Phoenix, Arizona, featuring a "recreation" of the booth where founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in September at Utah Valley University.
"This is a recreation of the tent where Charlie Kirk lost his life at Utah Valley University in September, and people are taking selfies with it," MS Now correspondent Brandy Zadrozny reported from the "America Fest" conference. "You can see all around, people are saying like, 'For Charlie,' they're wearing replicas of the shirt that Charlie Kirk was wearing when he was killed."
Newsweek reached out to TPUSA via online form on Saturday for comment.
Why It Matters
The display has sparked intense backlash even among Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters and conservative commentators, raising questions about appropriate memorialization and the organization's direction under new leadership.
The controversy comes as Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, assumes control of the $100 million political organization credited with influencing youth voters in the 2024 presidential election.
...What To Know
Kirk was shot and killed while speaking under his infamous "Prove Me Wrong" tent at Utah Valley University in September. The tent setup became Kirk's signature format for engaging with students on college campuses, where he would sit behind a table inviting debates and discussions.
TPUSA recreated the tent at the Phoenix conference, where attendees have been seen lining up to take selfies at the memorial display honoring the slain founder.
The AmericaFest conference expects thousands of attendees this weekend, with Vice President JD Vance, Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, other conservative media personalities, Trump administration officials, Christian rock bands and pastors scheduled to appear. The event promises to serve as an extended tribute to Kirk, whom many on the right view as a martyr for conservatism and Christianity after his death at 31 years old.
Tyler Robinson, 22, faces multiple charges including aggravated murder in connection with Kirk's death. Authorities say Robinson told his romantic partner that he killed Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred."
What People Are Saying
Michael G. Flynn Jr., the son of Trump's former national security adviser General Mike Flynn said on X after reposting a video of the recreation: "Anyone else find this disturbing?"
Zach Schumaker, host of “The SchuZ Show," wrote on X: "I’m sorry what?! Why is Turning Point USA recreating the tent where Charlie Kirk was assassinated and using it as a photo op? This is weird and disgraceful."
Dream for America wrote on X: "Turning Point USA has recreated the tent where Charlie Kirk was assassinated as part of its AmericaFest conference. Attendees are now posing for photos & selfies inside the tent where he was executed. Anyone else find this strange?"
Self-described MAGA investigative journalist @SwordTruth posted on X: "This is a disgusting and satanic macabre display and creating idols by TPUSA."
Conservative commentator @unhealthytruth wrote on X: "Nobody seems to care. Even my own followers don't think this is weird or disgusting like I do really."
MAGA commentator @Stillurfvseason declared: on X "This is NOT how you honor the memory of one of the goats. I'm not sure what is going on over there but I want nothing to do with it."
Pro-Trump account Project Constitution called the display "SICK BEYOND WORDS on X," adding: "This isn't healing – this is straight-up psyop tactics: Reenact the trauma to lock in the narrative, tug heartstrings, and milk emotions for control & donations. Charlie deserved real respect, not this deranged, exploitative circus."
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