The conservative youth movement that Charlie Kirk co-founded in 2012 has never witnessed anything quite like this. In the wake of Kirk’s tragic assassination on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, Turning Point USA has been overwhelmed with more than 62,000 requests from high school and college students eager to start or join a chapter. This astounding surge was announced by the organization on Thursday.
This rapid growth is truly staggering. In just eight days, the organization received over 62,000 inquiries, a significant leap from the 54,000 recorded in the first six days following Kirk’s death. Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show and a TPUSA spokesperson, described this response as ‘miraculous.’ He highlighted the peaceful nature of the movement, noting that supporters ‘aren’t burning buildings, they’re not raiding businesses, they’re praying, or they’re signing up, or they’re donating.’
Erika Kirk Steps into the Spotlight
Charlie Kirk had always anticipated the possibility of an abrupt leadership transition. Before his passing, he had prepared his wife, Erika Kirk, to assume leadership, reportedly telling associates he ‘knew Erika could handle’ the role she now holds. Following his assassination, TPUSA’s board promptly confirmed her appointment as CEO and Chair. They pledged to ‘carry on’ Kirk’s mission and vowed that ‘the attempt to destroy Charlie’s work will become our chance to make it more powerful and enduring than ever before.’ This resolute statement, signed by board members Doug De Groote, Mike Miller, Tom Sodeika, and David Engelhardt, emphasized the organization’s commitment to continuity and resilience.
In her first public address since her husband’s death, Erika Kirk promised to uphold and expand the TPUSA movement. ‘I promise I’ll make Turning Point the biggest thing this nation has ever seen,’ she declared during a Friday night livestream. ‘I promise Charlie.’
A Movement Fueled by Young Americans
Founded in 2012, Turning Point USA had already established itself as a central force in conservative youth activism. Prior to Kirk’s death, it had a presence on roughly 3,500 campuses, including approximately 900 college chapters and 1,200 high school chapters. The recent influx of 62,000 requests signals a profound shift in engagement, galvanizing students nationwide who are eager to embrace Kirk’s vision.
A TPUSA spokesperson commented that ‘This has galvanized young people around the country.’ The response has not been limited to new sign-ups; the organization has also received hundreds of job applications, with students and supporters offering to volunteer, work for free, or otherwise contribute to TPUSA’s mission.
Charlie Kirk’s Enduring Legacy
At just 31, Charlie Kirk’s influence extended far beyond organizational statistics. He was widely recognized for his captivating campus debates and charismatic persona, adeptly blending grassroots activism with political education. His vision, articulated through TPUSA, was straightforward yet ambitious: to cultivate a robust network of politically engaged students, instilling conservative principles and empowering young voices. In the days following his death, that vision has not just endured but has ignited with unprecedented intensity.
A public celebration of Kirk’s life is scheduled for Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Prominent figures expected to speak include President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Even amid this tragedy, TPUSA’s annual AmericaFest conference in Phoenix this December will proceed as planned. A TPUSA spokesperson emphasized that the organization’s growth trajectory may, in fact, accelerate, stating, ‘Turning Point’s not going anywhere. Turning Point, I think, will probably actually get significantly larger in the wake of what happened to Charlie.’
The Numbers Speak Volumes
The sheer scale of renewed interest speaks volumes about the movement’s momentum. Before Kirk’s assassination, TPUSA operated on about 3,500 campuses. Now, thousands of students are actively seeking to launch new chapters, make donations, and contribute in various other ways. A TPUSA spokesperson highlighted the magnitude of this response, writing, ‘Charlie’s vision to have a Club America chapter in every high school in America will come true much, much faster than he could have ever possibly imagined. This is the Turning Point.’
The movement’s rapid expansion vividly demonstrates TPUSA’s profound impact and its extensive reach among young Americans. The events following Kirk’s death have undeniably sparked intense engagement and debate on campuses across the nation, marking a defining moment for the organization and the broader landscape of youth political activism in the United States.