‘Created a legacy’: Turning Point USA makes OU tour stop after founder’s assassination
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Conservative non-profit group Turning Point USA made a national college tour stop at the University of Oklahoma Thursday night.
The event, held inside the university’s Lloyd Noble Center, was open to students and the general public. Hundreds of people showed up to the arena Thursday night, with those that News 4 employees spoke with saying they wanted to support the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.
“I wrote Charlie Kirk for a few years,” said Oklahoman Audrey Buford, who showed up for the Thursday event. “Like, I’ve loved his videos and watch him. He’s been a huge inspiration to me.”
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during another college tour stop in Utah in September.
“Charlie Kirk was set to speak at our campus today, but I’m so excited to host the Turning Point USA tour at the University of Oklahoma,” said Turning Point OU chapter president Kalib Magana during Thursday’s event.
News 4 reached out to Magana prior to the event, requesting an interview, but never heard back.
Thursday’s event included guest speeches from Governor Kevin Stitt, TV personality Savannah Chrisley, and actor Russell Brand. Brand’s attendance at the event drew protests from a group of Oklahoma college Democrats. He’s currently facing rape allegations in the United Kingdom.
“We’re here today to stand up to fascism, Christian Nationalism, and also specifically Russell Brand,” said Marley Hutchins, College Democrats of Oklahoma president. “A lot of students are very personally offended that the university has allowed him to come and talk today to students.”
News 4 spoke with attendees to weigh in on how they felt about Brand’s involvement.
“Can’t judge a book by its cover, and we’ll just see where it goes from there,” said Joseph Buford.
Governor Stitt addresses Kirk’s lasting legacy, faith, and the importance of college students being engaged in events like the Turning Point USA tour.
“Charlie would be so proud of the Turning Point Chapter right here at the University of Oklahoma,” said Stitt. “He created a legacy that honored God.”
Stitt said that Kirk will be remembered because he “stood for something.” While not every Oklahoman who showed up agreed with him, both sides expressed the importance of unity, saying political violence is never the answer.
“We need to get back to unity between both sides,” said Joseph Buford. “We need to get back to discussing things.”