Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson will replace Charlie Kirk as a speaker at Indiana University on Oct. 21 as part of Turning Point USA's “American Comeback Tour.”
According to the organization’s website, Turning Points student program aims to educate young people about limited government, free markets, and individual freedom. The group has a presence on more than 3,000 college and high school campuses, including IU, and encourages students to take on leadership roles while promoting American values in a “fun and compelling way.”
Kirk, the Turning Point co-founder, was shot and killed Sept. 10 during a campus event in Utah. He is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk — the new CEO of TPUSA — and their two children.
The national organization announced the tour would continue in Kirk’s honor. James Chambers, president of TPUSA at IU, said he’s grateful the group chose to bring Carlson to Bloomington.
“I want to thank Turning Point National for allowing Tucker to come to IU Bloomington,” Chambers said. “I think it is a great opportunity for this campus, especially being rated in a poll as the number two worst campus for free speech, which I will say I heavily disagree with. However, I think it will change the narrative behind that by bringing Tucker here.”
Chambers encouraged students and community members to attend, calling it a major event for Bloomington.
“If you don't have anything to do on a Tuesday in the middle of October, come out to see Tucker Carlson,” Chambers said, “It’s a two-hour event and it’s going to be very entertaining, so buckle up.”
The event at 6:30 p.m Oct. 21 will be free and open to the public starting. A location has not yet been announced.
