Minneapolis Councillors Criticize Turning Point USA Event
Minneapolis councillors expressed concerns about a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, linking the group to “hateful ideology and extremism.”
In a statement, independent socialist councillor Robin Wonsley voiced his disappointment with the university for hosting TPUSA, co-founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed on September 10 at a Utah Valley University event. The recent university event featured podcast host Michael Knowles.
“Hate has no place in Minneapolis. I’m really frustrated that the University of Minnesota has normalized a group with connections to such harmful ideology,” Wonsley stated. “They’ve silenced voices of students and faculty protesting issues like Palestinian rights, yet now they’re giving a platform to groups that target many, including LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants.”
Wonsley acknowledged that her office had been concerned about campus student reactions when the event was announced, especially following Kirk’s death. She admitted being surprised that the event was still going ahead.
“Many classes were held online as faculty were advised by department leaders due to safety concerns surrounding this event,” she added.
Wonsley further noted that the TPUSA activities have caused “deep anxiety” among residents in Ward 2, especially those targeted by Kirk and TPUSA rhetoric.
She also mentioned how community members are worried about the potential presence of TPUSA supporters in nearby neighborhoods, particularly Cedar Riverside, which has a large Somali population.
A recent statement from Erica Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, indicated that TPUSA’s “sus tours this fall” would continue, with plans for further events in the coming years.
“The Phoenix American Fest this December will be the biggest yet,” Erica Kirk stated. “My husband’s voice remains strong in a world filled with confusion, and it rings louder than ever.”
Breitbart News reported that just a day after Erica spoke following her husband’s death, TPUSA received requests for 18,000 new chapters across the country.
