At AmFest, the annual youth conference hosted by Turning Point USA, what was meant to be a celebration of conservative activism quickly became a lightning rod for controversy.
Some attendees posed for selfies next to a tent that closely resembled the Utah Valley University site where Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically murdered in September.
Journalists covering the event noticed the unusual display amid the chaos of the conference’s opening night, which drew more than 30,000 attendees.
“You can see from behind me, this is a recreation of the tent where Charlie Kirk lost his life,” said reporter Brandy Zadrozny, highlighting how some attendees were taking photos as a form of tribute.
The display included a framed mural of Kirk and the well-known “prove me wrong” slogan that became synonymous with his debates.
Backlash from Conservatives and Social Media
The unconventional homage ignited significant backlash, even among Kirk’s supporters and MAGA-aligned conservatives.
A popular pro-Trump social media account, Project Constitution, called the display “SICK BEYOND WORDS,” accusing organizers of exploiting Kirk’s death for emotional manipulation and donations.
Conservative activist Michael Flynn Jr. and others voiced similar concerns, describing the reenactment as disturbing.
One social media user wrote, “Nothing says peak current year like recreating the tent where a guy was murdered for people to take selfies in.”
Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet defended the display, insisting that the tent was not the exact site of Kirk’s death.
“We made many tents for the tour, and this was an entirely different one,” Kolvet told The Daily Mail.
He emphasized that the setup was intended to honor Kirk’s advocacy for free speech and debate, arguing that critics were unfairly targeting young attendees inspired by Kirk’s legacy.
AmFest Exposes Divisions Within the Conservative Movement
While the tent controversy dominated headlines, the conference also became a stage for internal clashes among high-profile conservatives.
Erika Kirk, Turning Point USA’s new CEO, attempted to promote unity during her opening remarks.
However, tension escalated when Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson took the stage, exchanging pointed criticisms over conspiracy theories and personal attacks.
Shapiro criticized Carlson for hosting far-right commentator Nick Fuentes and labeled Carlson, Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon as “frauds” and “grifters.”
He warned that the conservative movement faced serious danger from those spreading conspiracies and dishonesty.
Owens, though absent, had previously fueled claims implicating Israel in Kirk’s death, adding to the tense atmosphere.
Shapiro Calls Out Cowardice and Misinformation
Shapiro urged attendees to prioritize clarity and honesty, particularly when discussing Kirk’s assassination.
He openly named Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect, and condemned public figures who refused to condemn Owens’ provocative claims.
“The people who refused to condemn Candace’s truly vicious attacks are guilty of cowardice,” Shapiro said.
He also criticized Carlson for associating with Fuentes, reinforcing Kirk’s own opposition to the controversial commentator.
“Charlie Kirk despised Nick Fuentes and even challenged Dinesh D’Souza over debates with him,” Shapiro added.
Carlson Responds With Humor and Defiance
Carlson fired back, poking fun at Shapiro’s stern tone and the idea of “deplatforming” at a Charlie Kirk tribute event.
He assured the audience that he was not antisemitic despite hosting Fuentes and criticized cancel culture for suppressing open discussion.
“It is okay to ask questions. That’s what we were against the left for,” Carlson told the crowd.
He framed his comments as a defense of political discourse rather than a moral crusade, contrasting sharply with the celebratory tone of previous AmFest gatherings.
A Tumultuous Tribute in the Shadow of Tragedy
The event highlighted a growing rift within the conservative movement, amplified by Kirk’s untimely death and the intense scrutiny over how his legacy is remembered.
What was meant to be a unifying homage turned into a spectacle of debate, conspiracy, and public outrage, leaving attendees and observers alike questioning the future direction of Turning Point USA and the broader conservative youth movement.
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