Over 25,000 Reportedly Attend Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest on First Day

PHOENIX, Arizona - Turning Point USA (TPUSA) held the first day of its annual convention, AmericaFest, Thursday evening at the Phoenix Convention Center. Tickets sold out well in advance, with over 25,000 reportedly attending according to a TPUSA staffer. The crowd surpassed last year’s reported 20,000, due to the assassination of co-founder and CEO Charlie Kirk. 

The heavy hitters who spoke Thursday were his widow, Erika Kirk, who became the CEO, Ben Shapiro, Russell Brand, Michael Knowles and Tucker Carlson. Much of the speeches focused on infighting taking place within the Republican Party over allegations of antisemitism. 

The teleprompter was not working, so most of the speakers read from notes. Kirk winged her speech without notes. She explained how her late husband came up with the name AmericaFest. “"Who would not love to celebrate America, so we're going to name it AmFest!" she said. 

Kirk vowed to continue his legacy of cultivating youth. "Don't you dare let anyone tell you you're too young, you're not smart enough, or you're not connected enough,” she said. “As long as you're a part of Turning Point USA, we will empower you and give whatever you need to be able to make that come to life.”