Glenn Beck to Honor Charlie Kirk at UND Event on Oct. 9

Conservative commentator Glenn Beck is scheduled to visit the University of North Dakota (UND) on October 9 to honor the late Charlie Kirk, who had planned to stop at the university as part of his American Comeback Tour. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, passed away on September 10 during the tour’s first stop at Utah Valley University.

Anthony Vettel, president of the UND chapter of Turning Point USA, expressed that Beck’s visit provides an opportunity to continue Kirk’s mission of promoting conservative values. “I think it’s a great opportunity to do what he would’ve wanted,” Vettel remarked. The visit aims to facilitate discussions around Kirk’s beliefs and legacy.

Following Kirk’s passing, members of the Turning Point chapter and the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) at UND have reported an increase in interest in their activities. A vigil held on September 12 at UND attracted between 250 and 300 attendees, reflecting the community’s support and mourning for Kirk.

On September 23, Beck released a video on the UND chapter’s Instagram page inviting the community to join him for the event. “We’ll see you there,” he stated, encouraging participation in honoring Kirk’s memory.

Tickets for Beck’s event at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center are still available. Those who had previously purchased tickets for the initial event can expect to receive emails with updated information regarding their attendance. If issues arise, attendees can visit the Turning Point website for further details about the event, which is set to begin at 18:30.

Despite the potentially controversial nature of the event, UND President Andrew Armacost emphasized the importance of open dialogue within the university. He stated that the institution supports discussions on various ideas, regardless of their nature. “Universities are a place where ideas need to be talked about,” Armacost noted. He reinforced the need for civil discourse, saying, “We welcome ideas, and we need to make sure that the university is a forum.”

The upcoming event not only serves to commemorate Kirk’s impact but also highlights the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of inquiry and debate among its students and the wider community.