In the heart of Phoenix, Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest has returned with a renewed sense of strength, drawing a significant number of attendees after the assassination of its co-founder, Charlie Kirk. The event, held at the Phoenix Conference Center, has seen a remarkable increase in participation, with numbers soaring to 30,000, which is about 50% more than the previous year.
Ellie Brown, an 18-year-old vice president of her high school’s Turning Point chapter from Texas, expressed that Charlie Kirk’s tragic death has paradoxically fortified the organization. She noted, “I mean I would say honestly it’s better after his death, I think that so many more people were drawn in obviously no one will live up to his legacy or be who he was but his death brought in so many more people, and I feel like that was his ultimate goal.”
Under the new leadership of Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, the organization is seeing a notable increase in female participation. This shift is evident at this year’s AmericaFest, where the majority of attendees are women, a demographic that was previously less represented in an organization known for attracting young men.
Stefanie Barela, who traveled from California, shared her thoughts on the impact of Kirk’s death on the conservative movement. She stated, “I think a lot of people did not know about Charlie Kirk until he was assassinated, so it’s just — it’s growing like wildfire now which is fantastic. So, God’s plan is always greater.” Barela emphasized how Erika Kirk is now inspiring a new wave of young women to engage with the organization.
As the organization continues to grow under Erika Kirk’s leadership, the emphasis remains on engaging more women and ensuring the movement’s future. The event highlights a shift in dynamics, suggesting a promising evolution for Turning Point USA.
