Turning Point USA Grows Stronger, Women-Led After Charlie Kirk’s Death

Revived Enthusiasm at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest as Attendance Soars

This year’s AmericaFest is witnessing an unprecedented surge in attendance as Turning Point USA’s annual event kicks off at the Phoenix Conference Center. The gathering has seen a remarkable increase in participation, with 30,000 attendees, marking a 50% rise compared to the previous year.

The organization, co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk, seems to be drawing in a more diverse audience, with a significant focus on women. Ellie Brown, an 18-year-old from Texas and vice president of her high school’s Turning Point chapter, shared her perspective on the impact of Kirk’s tragic assassination.

“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,” Brown said. The presence of Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow and the organization’s new leader, is playing a pivotal role in attracting more young women to the cause.

Photos from the event show Erika Kirk engaging with attendees, including several images captured by Nick Sanchez from KJZZ during the festivities in downtown Phoenix.

The demographic shift is evident, with women forming the majority of the attendees this year. This change comes as a surprise, given the movement’s initial appeal to young men. Stefanie Barela, who traveled from California, highlighted the transformative impact of Kirk’s death on conservative circles. “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 remarked.

With Erika Kirk at the helm, the organization aims to expand its influence, focusing on political goals such as maintaining Republican control of Congress and supporting JD Vance’s presidential candidacy in 2028. The legacy of Charlie Kirk continues to inspire, as efforts to memorialize him, including naming a highway stretch after him, are underway.