This week, AmFest, the annual youth conference hosted by Turning Point USA, became a flashpoint for emotions, debate, and division.
Thousands of attendees gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, but it wasn’t just the speakers on stage grabbing attention.
A controversial display dedicated to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was tragically killed in September, quickly sparked a heated conversation online and offline.
Selfies at a Recreated Tent Draw Backlash
Fans of Kirk were seen posing for photos at what appeared to be a recreation of the Utah Valley University site where he was killed.
The tent setup featured a framed mural of Kirk and his well-known “prove me wrong” catchphrase, with some attendees even wearing replicas of the shirt he had on that day.
While some viewed it as a tribute, critics called the display distasteful.
Project Constitution, a pro-Trump social media account, labeled it “SICK BEYOND WORDS,” accusing the setup of exploiting tragedy for emotional impact and donations.
Conservative activist Michael Flynn Jr. also expressed concern, and other commentators on social media described the scene as surreal and unsettling.
Turning Point USA Denies Exploitative Intent
Andrew Kolvet, a spokesman for Turning Point USA, denied that the tent was meant to recreate the site of Kirk’s assassination.
“We put up the tent as a tribute to Charlie, who lost his life fighting for free speech and debate,” Kolvet said.
He described the display as part of a broader conference theme encouraging young people to be bold and find their own voice.
Discord Among Conservative Leaders
The AmFest stage, however, became just as contentious as the tent.
Erika Kirk, Turning Point USA’s new chief executive, opened the event urging unity, but the evening quickly devolved into public sparring between high-profile conservatives.
Ben Shapiro criticized Tucker Carlson for hosting far-right commentator Nick Fuentes and labeled several conservative figures, including Carlson, Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon, as “frauds” and “grifters.”
He warned the audience that the conservative movement risked being undermined by those trafficking in conspiracy theories and dishonesty.
Heated Exchanges Over Kirk’s Death
Shapiro’s remarks also addressed controversial claims surrounding Kirk’s assassination, including statements from Owens suggesting outside involvement in his death.
While condemning conspiratorial content, Shapiro called for clarity and honesty when discussing the events, directly naming Tyler Robinson, the suspect, in his speech.
Carlson fired back from the same stage, dismissing Shapiro’s tone as pompous and defending his decision to host Fuentes.
He condemned antisemitism, decried cancel culture, and argued that asking difficult questions was central to political discourse, emphasizing that it was not a matter of ritual denunciation but of principle.
A Summit Marked by Division and Reflection
This year’s AmFest contrasted sharply with previous gatherings, which had focused on optimism and celebration of the conservative movement.
Instead, the conference exposed deep divisions, highlighting tensions over Kirk’s legacy, the role of conspiracy theories, and leadership dynamics within the movement.
As AmFest continues over the next few days, the debates on stage and the reactions on social media suggest the event will be remembered as much for its controversies as its tributes.
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