LATEST NEWS: Utah State University Hosts Record-Breaking Turning Point USA Event Honoring Charlie Kirk — “The Kirk Effect” Sweeps the Nation
In an extraordinary show of unity and resilience, more than 6,500 students and supporters gathered at Utah State University for Turning Point USA’s first event in Utah since the tragic assassination of its founder, Charlie Kirk. The event, described by many as both powerful and emotional, drew a record-breaking turnout — a reflection of what attendees are now calling “The Kirk Effect” sweeping across the nation.
Appearing on Fox & Friends, Kaitlin Griffiths, the TPUSA president at Utah State University, spoke about leading the event and the overwhelming response it received. “We were hoping for a few hundred people,” Griffiths said, “but what happened was beyond anything we could’ve imagined. The auditorium was filled to capacity — students, parents, veterans, pastors — all coming together to honor Charlie and continue his mission.”
The event marked the first large-scale gathering organized by Turning Point USA since the untimely death of its 31-year-old founder, whose loss sent shockwaves through both political and cultural circles. Yet, rather than being defined by grief, the evening became a celebration of Charlie Kirk’s enduring legacy — his message of faith, freedom, and the power of individual conviction.
The program opened with a moment of silence, followed by a video tribute showcasing highlights from Kirk’s years of public speaking, activism, and mentorship. As his familiar voice echoed through the hall — “Never underestimate what one courageous person can do with faith and purpose” — many in the audience were visibly moved.
Griffiths shared how emotional it was to watch the new generation of students embrace Kirk’s message. “Charlie believed in young people,” she said. “He always said college campuses are where the fight for truth begins. Seeing thousands of students standing for what he stood for — that’s how his mission lives on.”
Throughout the night, guest speakers including TPUSA ambassadors, local church leaders, and several of Kirk’s close friends reflected on his vision of empowering the next generation to think critically and lead boldly. The audience often responded with applause and chants of “Keep the mission alive!”
The event’s final moment brought the entire crowd to its feet as a recording of Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain” played over a montage of Kirk’s life. Some in attendance wept openly while holding candles, symbolizing that though his voice had fallen silent, his light would continue to guide them.
In the days since, social media has been flooded with clips and messages from the event under the hashtag #KirkEffect, as attendees from across the country share how Charlie Kirk’s legacy has reignited their sense of purpose.
Kaitlin Griffiths summed up the feeling best: “Charlie’s gone, but his mission isn’t. Every person who showed up proved that one man’s faith can spark a movement.”
As Turning Point USA continues to grow in the wake of tragedy, the Utah event stands as a powerful reminder that ideas — like hope — don’t die with the messenger. They spread, they inspire, and they endure.
And as 6,500 voices joined in unity that night, one truth became clear: the Kirk Effect is only just beginning.