Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and Ohio politician Vivek Ramaswamy stepped in for Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk at an event at Montana State University. This gathering, part of the nonprofit’s mission to continue its conservative influence, unfolded under Erika Kirk’s guidance following her husband’s assassination. The assembly covered topics from Christian family values to political violence and drew a diverse crowd of around 3,000 attendees.
Gianforte led an extended prayer, sharing his early encounters with Kirk when he was a young visionary attempting to launch a conservative nonprofit. He emphasized honoring Kirk by embracing Christianity. “Who here knows Jesus?” Gianforte asked, prompting many to raise their hands. He urged those unfamiliar with Christianity to seek guidance from believers and explore the Bible.
Ramaswamy, a former presidential hopeful, highlighted the importance of combating political violence, referencing the tragedy in Utah. “On the left and right, we have to be united that words are not violence. Violence is violence,” he stated. Ramaswamy concluded by engaging the audience with a Q&A session, reminiscent of Kirk’s approach that resonated with young conservatives.
The event drew students like True Erbeck, who attended out of curiosity. “It’s best to educate yourself and hear diverse opinions,” he noted. While many attendees sported MAGA hats and Trump campaign gear, Erbeck and his friends avoided such symbols.
Charlie Kirk frequently visited Montana, influencing politics significantly. His last major event was the “Save Big Sky Rally” supporting Republican Tim Sheehy, who later won the Senate seat. Kirk’s speeches often highlighted the dangers of an expansive executive branch and advocated for business-friendly policies.
Federal responses to Kirk’s assassination have been mixed, with some officials targeting “hate speech” on social media. Outside the Montana State event, a lone protester voiced dissent with a sign reading “Mt believes in love, not hate.”
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