Turning Point USA said it received about 18,000 requests to form new chapters in the 24 hours after Erika Kirk’s public remarks following the fatal shooting of the group’s founder, Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University, according to local authorities. The alleged shooter, identified in media reports as Tyler Robinson, was arrested after being turned in by his father and faces charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm.
Turning Point USA, the conservative student organization Kirk founded in 2012, reported having about 9,000 college chapters and 1,100 high school chapters before the killing. The organization and supporters said the flood of new chapter requests came through the group’s online form after Erika Kirk’s 17-minute address, in which she pledged to continue and expand her husband’s work.
"Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby," Erika Kirk said in televised remarks, adding, "I promise I'll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen." A screenshot shared on X by Minnesota State Representative Eliott Engen showed a Turning Point leader noting the roughly 18,000 submissions.
Turning Point leaders said the requests came from students, nonstudents and faith-based participants who submit information and indicate how they want to get involved. The organization’s stated mission, on its website, is to "identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government." Turning Point’s co-founder and co-CEO, Heather Wilson, told supporters that a fundraising campaign set up after the shooting had raised nearly $3 million on GiveSendGo to assist Erika Kirk and her two children.
Vigils and memorials have been held across the United States and abroad. Turning Point UK organized a vigil in England on Sept. 12; Turning Point UK Chief Executive Jack Ross said in remarks that members would have "incredibly touched" Kirk and thanked U.S. law enforcement for apprehending the suspected shooter. A memorial service has been scheduled for Sept. 21 at the Arizona Cardinals’ State Farm Stadium; former President Donald Trump has said he plans to attend.
In the days after the shooting, Erika Kirk traveled on Air Force Two with Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife as the founder’s body was transported from Utah to Arizona. Media reports said Vice President Vance’s wife, Usha, guided Erika Kirk as she deplaned, and that national guard members carried the coffin.
Authorities have not publicly released a motive for the shooting. Police statements and court filings have detailed the arrest and the charges against the alleged attacker; prosecutors will determine whether to file additional charges as the investigation proceeds.
The surge in chapter requests represents an abrupt growth moment for Turning Point, which has been a prominent organized voice on many college campuses. The group’s rapid fundraising and the reported spike in organizational interest follow a high-profile death that has galvanized supporters and prompted national attention.
Law enforcement officials and Turning Point leaders have said memorial events and the expanding network of chapter applicants reflect widespread support for the family and the organization. The investigation into the shooting remains active, and officials continue to provide updates as they are available.