Turning Point USA will pay tribute to co-founder Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed, during a heartfelt event in Minnesota on Monday, as his American Comeback Tour continues to move forward, even amidst the aftermath of his assassination.
Conservative commentator Michael Knowles made an announcement on “Fox & Friends” that an empty chair will be left on stage in honor of Kirk during the next tour stop at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities on Monday night.
“I will participate tonight with an empty chair on stage. I’ll be paying tribute to Charlie followed by an open dialogue,” Knowles remarked.
“Charlie’s opponents won’t succeed in halting that. Individuals who hold dissenting views can, as always, come forward and engage in a healthy discourse at our events,” he stated.
Kirk was assassinated on stage during a tour event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Following his tragic death, Knowles mentioned that Kirk’s friends pledged to move forward with the remaining engagement locations for the tour.
“I’ll be joined by many of Charlie’s friends,” Knowles shared.
“Charlie’s adversaries believed they could not just silence him but extinguish his entire movement. That will not occur. In fact, they will not even silence his speaking tour,” he added.
The upcoming event follows a memorial service attended by approximately 78,000 people, including President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium this past Sunday.
“He has become a martyr for America’s freedom,” Trump declared to those gathered. “I believe I speak for everyone present today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. History will remember him too.”
Law enforcement reported that the overflow crowd exceeded 200,000 individuals, many of whom watched the memorial on large screens located in the stadium parking lot and at the neighboring Desert Diamond Stadium, which was filled with around 19,000 attendees.
A 22-year-old man from Utah, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with Kirk’s murder and could face the death penalty if found guilty of the most serious offenses.
In a brave tribute, Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, expressed her forgiveness toward the alleged murderer.
“My dear husband, Charlie, sought to save young men, including the one who took his life,” she stated. “I forgive him.”
Erika, now leading Turning Point USA, committed to continuing her late husband’s legacy.
“The response to hate is not more hate,” she emphasized. “According to the gospel, the remedy is love — love for our foes and love for those who persecute us.”
Who is Michael Knowles?
Knowles, 35, is a renowned political commentator, author, and podcaster with a significant following on social media and has been part of the Daily Wire since 2016.
A close friend of Kirk, Knowles mirrors many traits characteristic of the late commentator. Renowned for his wit and argumentative abilities, Knowles frequently engages directly with audience members during speaking engagements at colleges nationwide.
“He shares many of the same qualities as Charlie; he is jovial, kind, and adept at engaging in dialogue and debate,” a Daily Wire spokesperson remarked to The Post.
Knowles has become a prominent figure in mainstream media debates, tackling topics similar to those that Kirk engaged with.
Regularly appearing on Kirk’s podcast, Knowles was a constant presence at Turning Point USA events. They last shared the stage earlier this year at an event where they debated the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism. Just two weeks prior to Kirk’s shooting, Knowles was a guest on “The Charlie Kirk Show,” discussing the case of transgender Annunciation Catholic School shooter Robin Westman.
Stay informed about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
- Trump considering national holiday in honor of Charlie Kirk: White House
- Tribute for Charlie Kirk canceled by Sinclair following threats against its ABC affiliates: source
- Meet Brilyn Hollyhand, the teen conservative regarded as Charlie Kirk’s protege
- Tucker Carlson alleged to have sparked antisemitic theories surrounding Charlie Kirk’s murder during memorial
- Erika Kirk expresses forgiveness toward her husband’s assassin: ‘He sought to save young men — just like the one who took his life’
A devoted Catholic, Knowles has emerged as a key figure in the movement of young conservative men becoming more faith-oriented, according to the spokesperson.
The Daily Wire announced that more of its talent will engage with college audiences across the country in light of Kirk’s assassination.
Knowles has had several viral moments, including a notable exchange in July where he countered former MSNBC host Joy Reid on “Piers Morgan Uncensored.”
After airing a clip of Knowles criticizing her recently canceled program “The ReidOut,” Morgan asked Reid for her response.
“Clearly, people were interested in the show. That’s why it aired for nearly five years. If he wasn’t a fan of it, then I’m sorry, but I’m not overly concerned with his viewpoint,” Reid replied.
At that moment, Morgan surprised her with Knowles as a guest.
“I’d agree with Joy’s assessment. People did indeed watch the show, but in the past,” Knowles remarked, appearing alongside a visibly shocked Reid.
“Now, there’s no longer an audience for that absolutely toxic content, and I consider that a win for our culture overall,” he added.
The University of Minnesota’s official site describes tonight’s American Comeback Tour event with Knowles as “a dynamic evening featuring honest discussions on conservative principles, concluding with a live Q&A session.”
