Charlie Kirk Was Fatally Shot in a Booth — Now, Turning Point USA Recreates It for a 4-day Annual Convention

Turning Point USA’s annual “America Fest” conference in Phoenix this weekend has become a lightning rod for controversy after organizers unveiled a full-scale replica of the booth where founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a campus outreach event in September.

The display—complete with the exact “Prove Me Wrong” table Kirk manned at Utah Valley University has drawn crowds of attendees posing for selfies, wearing replica T-shirts identical to the one Kirk wore during the attack, and chanting “For Charlie.”

The macabre memorial, intended as homage, has been widely condemned as exploitative and deeply disturbing.

MS reporter Brandy Zadrozny, covering the four-day event live, described the scene: “This is a recreation of the tent where Charlie Kirk lost his life at Utah Valley University in September, and people are taking selfies with it. You can see all around, people are saying like, ‘For Charlie,’ they’re wearing replicas of the shirt that Charlie Kirk was wearing when he was killed.”

The replica sits prominently on the conference floor, surrounded by merchandise stalls, policy panels, and speeches from prominent conservative figures. Attendees approach it reverently, some placing flowers or notes, while others snap photos with the same casual ease as at any other exhibit. The juxtaposition—turning a site of violent death into an interactive shrine has sparked intense online outrage.

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Erika Kirk Steps Into Leadership Role

The conference also marks the formal passing of the torch to Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who has assumed leadership of Turning Point USA. The organization, which brought in over $100 million annually and was credited by Donald Trump and JD Vance with helping swing the youth vote in the 2024 election, is now under Erika’s direction.

Zadrozny described the transition as “really a passing of the torch.” Erika, who has largely avoided the spotlight since her husband’s death, appeared prominently at the event, speaking about continuing Charlie’s mission and meeting with donors and activists. TPUSA staff and supporters have rallied around her, emphasizing continuity and resilience.

Charlie Kirk, killed at age 31, was the charismatic founder of TPUSA, building it into one of the most influential conservative youth organizations in the country. His “Prove Me Wrong” tables—where he debated college students on issues like socialism, free speech, and cultural topics became a signature tactic.

On September 10, while manning the table at Utah Valley University as part of his American Comeback Tour, he was fatally shot.

The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested after a manhunt. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder. Prosecutors allege Robinson told his parents “that he couldn’t go to jail and just wanted to end it.” He remains in Utah County Jail’s Special Housing Unit under suicide watch protocols, wearing a prevention smock and under heightened supervision, according to the sheriff’s office.

The motive remains under investigation, with no clear ideological link established. The incident sent shockwaves through conservative circles, where Kirk was seen as a rising star and fearless voice for young right-leaning Americans.

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Backlash Over the Memorial Display

The decision to recreate the booth has divided opinion sharply. Supporters view it as a powerful tribute to Kirk’s activism and a reminder of the dangers conservatives face on college campuses. Critics, however, call it “ghoulish,” “morbid,” and “exploitative”—turning a violent crime scene into a promotional prop.

Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly negative. Users described the display as “tasteless” and “trauma porn,” with many questioning how TPUSA leadership could think such a recreation was appropriate. Others accused the organization of exploiting Kirk’s death for fundraising and attendance.

The replica stands amid a conference packed with high-profile speakers, merchandise vendors, and youth engagement sessions. The event draws tens of thousands annually, serving as a major recruiting and fundraising platform for conservative activism.

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Erika Kirk’s takeover represents both continuity and uncertainty. Charlie’s death left a void in leadership and morale, but the organization has emphasized that its mission—empowering young conservatives—remains unchanged. Erika has begun appearing at events and speaking about preserving her husband’s legacy.

TPUSA’s financial and organizational strength—hundreds of campus chapters, massive online reach, and significant donor support—positions it to endure. Trump and Vance have publicly credited the group with helping mobilize young voters, particularly young men, in 2024.

The Phoenix gathering, however, has become about more than policy or politics. The replica booth has transformed a personal tragedy into a public spectacle, raising uncomfortable questions about grief, memory, and the boundaries of political memorialization.