Live Hundreds attend sold-out Turning Point event at the University of Minnesota

Michael Knowles stepped in for the late Charlie Kirk at a sold-out Turning Point USA event at the University of Minnesota on September 22, 2025. The event drew attendees wearing MAGA hats and other Trump-themed apparel while protests unfolded outside, reflecting community division over the group's controversial ideology. Minneapolis City Council Member Robin Wonsley expressed her frustration over the university's decision to host the event, citing concerns about hate and extremism. Amidst a backdrop of heightened security following a recent shooting on campus, President Dr. Rebecca Cunningham communicated to the university community about updated safety protocols.

She emphasized that violence has no place on campus, a sentiment echoed by students and faculty concerned about the event's implications. Some professors chose to move classes online due to safety concerns, indicating a significant local impact. The event not only highlighted the polarization of political views on campus but also served as a flashpoint for broader discussions on free speech and hate speech. The ongoing tension between conservative and progressive factions continues to shape the university’s social landscape.