(The Lion) — Turning Point USA has received a “massive surge” in inquiries to begin new chapters following the assassination and memorial service for its founder, Charlie Kirk.
Before Kirk’s service on Sunday, the group had received about 60,000 inquiries, TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet wrote on X. After the service, which was seen by millions, that number spiked to more than 120,000.
“Even accounting for attrition and duplicates, we are on the cusp of having a TPUSA or Club America chapter in every (high school) and college campus in America,” said Kolvet, who also serves as executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show.
Kirk, 31, was assassinated while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The shooting sent shockwaves nationwide, and his memorial featured high-profile speakers including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Tucker Carlson and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of firing the fatal shot. He faces charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Interest in new chapters surged almost immediately after Kirk’s death. On Sept. 14, just days after the assassination, TPUSA had received “32,000 inquiries in the last 48 hours to start new campus chapters,” Kolvet said at the time. “Charlie’s vision to have a Club America chapter (our high school brand) in every high school in America (around 23,000) will come true much, much faster than he could have ever possibly imagined.”
Turning Point currently operates about 900 college chapters and 1,200 high school chapters. The groups help promote “freedom-loving, American values” by hosting conservative speakers and encouraging student activism. Prominent topics include “Make America Healthy Again,” the 2nd Amendment, Israel and free speech.
The organization also launched a professor watchlist to expose college processors who discriminate against conservatives and “advance leftist propaganda” in class.
Oklahoma leads the way
Amid the growing demand, Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters announced Tuesday that the state is seeking to put “TPUSA on every high school campus in Oklahoma.”
“Charlie Kirk inspired a generation to love America, to speak boldly, and to never shy away from debate. Our kids must get involved and active,” said Walters, who resigned Wednesday to take a job with an organization that helps teachers opt out of unions. “We will fight back against the liberal propaganda, pushed by the radical left, and the teachers unions. Our fight starts now.”
In a video announcing the partnership with TPUSA, Walters said there has been an “outpouring from parents, teachers, and students” who want to continue Kirk’s legacy. “They want their young people to be engaged in a process that understands free speech, open engagement, dialogue about American greatness, a dialogue around American values.”
Walters’ office said students in public, private and homeschool settings will now “have the tools to start a chapter on their campus and make their voices heard.” Starting a chapter requires three interested students and completion of a chapter agreement, after which the group is officially recognized by TPUSA.
TPUSA has pledged to help chapters gain school recognition, secure a liaison between the school and TPUSA, and find a teacher sponsor. Chapters will also receive Activism Kits filled with pocket Constitutions and other materials, as well as access to leadership opportunities and events.
TPUSA did not return a request for comment from The Lion on whether it would pursue similar partnerships in other states.
