Safety concerns took center stage as Turning Point USA returned to Utah on Tuesday after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. Fox News Digital spoke with attendees about whether they felt secure expressing their views.
“I’ve been worried for quite some time,” said a student from Utah named Summer. “I think I just can’t live in fear anymore.”
Jacob, another university student, expressed a different sentiment: “I’m not really afraid. I’ve heard there’s plenty of security at this event,” he mentioned. “I came prepared, so it’s fine.”
Another student, Kami, added, “I’m not being completely honest. Sure, there’s a risk in everything, but that shouldn’t make us afraid.” Meanwhile, Rocky admitted to feeling more hesitant about sharing his opinions compared to a few weeks ago, but he wasn’t too concerned.
Madison seemed determined, stating boldly, “No, people might dislike what I say, but I refuse to be afraid.” Kai, another student, expressed comfort in voicing his beliefs: “I feel quite at ease discussing what I think.”
Gavin shared, “I’m not really afraid for my own safety, but I worry about my family. What Charlie Kirk has achieved via social media inspires me, but my own safety doesn’t keep me up at night.”
Tyler, also from Utah, pointed out, “If someone wants to cause harm, that’s on them, but we shouldn’t live in fear simply because we have opinions to share.”
Sam from Nevada expressed his faith, saying, “I’m not concerned about my own safety. I have faith in Jesus Christ, my Savior.”
Summer mentioned, “I used to be politically neutral, but this event has drawn me toward conservative beliefs.”
Some at this event viewed it as their introduction to conservative gatherings. “This is my first political event,” Rocky commented. Kaden, also from Utah, said, “I’ve never attended a conservative event before, but I’m excited. It feels amazing; this is my first time.”
Earlier on Tuesday, law enforcement detonated “suspicious devices” at Utah State University ahead of the Turning Point USA event, the first since Kirk’s assassination. The devices were determined to be non-explosive.
According to the university’s statement, “Due to heightened attention, the bomb squad handled the suspicious devices, and the old main building is now safe. All scheduled events can proceed as planned.”
