Turning Point USA Event at UC Berkeley Continues Amid Controversy

At one of the most liberal universities in the country, conservative students are moving forward with a “Turning Point USA” event that was initially set to feature founder Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed.

“The day we first met to announce Charlie’s visit was the very same day he was assassinated,” John Paul Leon, a junior at UC Berkeley and president of the campus chapter of Turning Point USA, shared with FOX News Digital.

He mentioned that he has since been collaborating with both the university and the national organization to ensure the event’s success.

Scheduled for November 10, Berkeley’s Turning Point USA chapter will feature a canceled segment of the “This Is the Turning Point” tour, occurring two months after Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10 during his “American Comeback Tour.”

Notably, comedian Rob Schneider and Christian author Frank Turek will take Kirk’s place at the event.

While Leon couldn’t reveal specific security measures, he assured that attendees and speakers would be well-protected, highlighting a no-bag policy.

Leon acknowledged the somber mood on campus since Kirk’s death, but he expressed that students are rallying to honor his legacy.

“Our chapter has definitely felt the impact. There’s a noticeable passion among students, an eagerness to stand up and push back, even amid fear of what might come,” Leon reflected.

Double majoring in economics and philosophy, with a minor in public policy, Leon noted a surge in membership since Kirk’s assassination.

“Many students, who weren’t involved before, have suddenly shown interest in Turning Point USA and decided to join,” he observed. “It’s clear that our numbers have gone up significantly.”

Yet, this growth hasn’t been without its challenges. Leon remarked, “We have faced considerable backlash. There are posters across campus branding us as fascists and Zionists. Every time we set up a table, we get called fascists by passersby. It’s been like that from the start.”

He pointed out that prior to Kirk’s assassination, such rhetoric could be dismissed with a shrug or a laugh, but things feel different now.

“Since the assassination, the hostility has taken on a darker tone,” Leon commented. “It feels like the same individuals who are hostile towards us may harbor even more serious intentions.”

Leon described their struggle as fundamentally spiritual, remarking, “In my view, this is truly a spiritual battle. Charlie understood this all along.”

UC Berkeley’s assistant vice chancellor, Dan Moguloff, stated, “The university supports the right of all speakers to participate in student-organized events, regardless of their viewpoints.” He added that the upcoming event is considered a “major event” due to its scale, expecting more than 300 attendees, and will adhere to established guidelines for such occasions.