College Chapter Faces Harassment After Kirk’s Assassination
PHOENIX — In the aftermath of the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, a leader from one of the organization’s college chapters is standing firm against a wave of hostility. Amy Rose Lombardo, who serves as the event coordinator for the Northern Arizona University chapter, reported experiencing significant intimidation and harassment since Kirk’s murder during a speaking event on September 10.
Why It Matters
The increasing violence and threats against conservative groups on college campuses raise concerns about free speech and civility in political discourse. The incidents reflect broader societal tensions as the political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, impacting the safety and rights of individuals advocating for various ideologies.
Key Developments
- Lombardo noted a rise in aggressive protest tactics against Turning Point USA since Kirk’s death.
- One incident involved a woman who delivered a graphic depiction of Kirk’s murder to the group’s table.
- Another incident saw a student caught on video vandalizing and stealing items from the Turning Point USA table.
- The Northern Arizona University Police Department has taken action, resulting in misdemeanor charges against the individual involved in the second incident.
- Lombardo expressed gratitude toward law enforcement for their response and maintained her determination amid the challenges.
Full Report
Rising Hostility
At AmericaFest, an annual Turning Point conference, Lombardo described the increasing intensity of protests against her organization. One memorable occurrence involved a woman who approached their table and left behind a note depicting Kirk’s murder along with offensive comments about free speech.
In a separate video-recorded incident, a person was filmed taking items from the chapter’s table, including a foam board featuring Ronald Reagan. Lombardo recounted that the thief appeared unexpectedly and seemingly engaged with the group before committing the act.
Following this incident, Lombardo emphasized the importance of reporting such events to the authorities, resulting in the prosecution of the offender for theft and disorderly conduct. She acknowledged the effective response from the university police and administration.
Unwavering Spirit
Despite the intimidating environment, Lombardo remains resolute in her beliefs. She defined Turning Point USA as a champion of truth, asserting that giving in to fear would undermine their mission. Lombardo expressed compassion for those who oppose her, hoping they might find a way to move beyond their anger and misconceptions. She called on others to join the movement, urging them to fight for their beliefs in the face of adversity.
Continued Resistance
Turning Point USA has faced intensified challenges since Kirk’s assassination, with growing opposition from left-leaning factions. Instances of vandalism and threats against similar conservative organizations have surged on college campuses nationwide. In a related incident, an Illinois State University teaching assistant was recently filmed toppling a Turning Point table and was previously arrested for making online threats against a public figure.
Context & Previous Events
Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, a tragic event that has catalyzed aggressive actions against conservative groups on university campuses. Since then, numerous incidents of harassment against Turning Point USA and other right-leaning organizations have been documented, escalating concerns over free speech and the safety of students in academic environments.
