Turning Point USA Hosts First Meeting Since Kirk Assassination
- Haley Ramsey
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read

Belmont’s Turning Point USA chapter reached a staggering 50 students in attendance on Thursday for its first general body meeting since founder and CEO Charlie Kirk died.
“I think more people felt empowered and felt like they had a responsibility to join the movement after he was assassinated,” said chapter president Dylan Hillburn.
Prior to Kirk's death, Belmont’s Turning Point chapter had one meeting, where 17 students attended, said Hillburn. In the weeks immediately following Kirk’s death, Hillburn was told to wait before hosting official meetings or events.
“Turning Point wasn’t wanting us to host events two weeks after,” said Hillburn. “Belmont has to have you put in a request two weeks in advance, so it's been four weeks.”

The meeting opened with a video highlighting Kirk’s life and showing moments of him with his wife and children. Following the video, Hillburn introduced himself along with the chapter vice president Mya Goodmanson and treasurer Audrey Bryar.
“The reason I wanted to be so involved in Turning Point is because I felt like our campus really needed a place where we can have open conversations and we can have disagreements with each other,” said Bryar.
Freshman Chelsea Candino said she hadn’t attended any Turning Point events prior to the general body meeting but is planning on showing up for more events in the future. Candino was drawn to Turning Point after following Kirk for years and admiring both his faith and debate style, she said.
“He really valued debate which I feel like most people shy away from, and this generation as a whole because we’re so polarized,” said Candino.
The chapter has three other events coming up including one where Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti will speak and a volunteer opportunity with conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity.
At Belmont, Hillburn hopes to grow the organization and set a new record in Tennessee.
“One of my goals is to make this the largest Turning Point chapter in Tennessee,” said Hillburn. “Having 50 is crazy, and it’s probably going to grow more than 50.”
Belmont’s Turning Point USA will meet again Wednesday night for their volunteer event.

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This article was written by Haley Ramsey