Charlie Kirk Supporters Criticize Turning Point USA for Creating Photo Opportunity That Reminds Attendees of His Assassination in Phoenix

Turning Point USA has found itself at the center of a heated backlash after unveiling a tent at its latest rally that many critics say was eerily reminiscent of the one Charlie Kirk was in when he was tragically assassinated.

The incident has left fans and observers questioning the group’s intentions, raising eyebrows across social media.

The Tent That Divided Fans

At the Phoenix event this past weekend, attendees were invited to take photos inside a tent featuring a backdrop similar to the one Kirk sat in front of on the day of his death.

The display included two posters—one showing Kirk at a debate and another capturing him on stage.

While TPUSA framed it as a tribute to their founder, many supporters of Kirk found it unsettling, sparking widespread condemnation online.

Candace Owens, a former friend of Kirk’s and a prominent conservative commentator, was quick to criticize the display.

“Recreating the tent Charlie died under for selfies? Seriously?” she wrote on X.

“It felt like a seance. I actually want to know whose idea it was.”

Her comments added fuel to the fire just days after she met with Kirk’s widow, Erika, in a private meeting intended to reconcile months of public tension.

Social Media Backlash and Criticism

The online response was swift and scathing.

Critics called the photo opportunity “sadistic” and “gross,” likening the setup to recreating other infamous historical tragedies.

“They recreated the tent where Charlie Kirk was assassinated for people to take selfies… These people are insane,” one commenter wrote.

Another user drew sharp comparisons, writing, “Maybe we should build Twin Tower replicas or Auschwitz ovens too?”

The backlash shows the thin line between honoring a public figure and being perceived as exploiting a tragedy for publicity.

TPUSA’s Defense

Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet defended the tent, insisting it was not a recreation of the assassination scene.

“We made many tents for the tour, and this was entirely different,” he told The Daily Mail.

“It was meant as a tribute to Charlie, who lost his life fighting for free speech and debate.

This attack is a shameless assault on young people inspired by his courage.”

Kolvet emphasized that one of the conference themes is to “be courageous and pick up your own microphone,” framing the tent as part of that message rather than an insensitive display.

Politics and the MAGA Movement

The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of the conference’s political programming.

Vice President JD Vance, a close friend of Kirk, delivered a speech rallying conservative voters ahead of the 2028 election.

Notably, he avoided condemning extremism or setting boundaries for the MAGA movement, arguing instead that anyone who “loves America” should be welcome.

Erika Kirk publicly pledged support for Vance, stating, “We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible.”

Turning Point’s expansive volunteer network could prove influential in key early primary states.

Candace Owens’ Continued Scrutiny

Despite a reportedly “productive” five-hour private meeting in Nashville between Erika Kirk and Owens, the commentator has returned to questioning TPUSA’s actions and raising doubts about the investigation into Kirk’s assassination.

Owens, who parted ways with TPUSA in 2020, has released a series of videos criticizing the organization and casting suspicion on the suspect in Kirk’s death.

While the private meeting was intended to ease tensions and clarify concerns, the tent controversy shows that many in the conservative community remain divided over how best to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy.

A Divisive Tribute

The Phoenix rally has reignited a broader conversation about the line between memorializing public figures and exploiting their deaths for spectacle.

For TPUSA, the fallout underscores the challenge of balancing tribute, political messaging, and sensitivity in an era of social media scrutiny.

Charlie Kirk’s death continues to leave a mark on the organization he founded, raising questions about the best ways to celebrate his life while navigating the polarizing politics that now define his movement.

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