News Summary
The ‘Speak Your Mind’ event at California State University, Fullerton, attracted a large crowd, fostering dialogue on Christianity and societal issues. Following the assassination of founder Charlie Kirk, the event featured guest speakers and highlighted the group’s resilience. Attendees engaged in discussions on topics including religion and politics while promoting open dialogue despite differing opinions. Security measures were implemented to ensure safety during the event, marking a significant moment for the Turning Point USA chapter amidst tragedy.
Fullerton, CA – A significant turnout marked the “Speak Your Mind” event hosted by the Turning Point USA chapter at California State University, Fullerton on Thursday, October 2. This gathering comes in the wake of the tragic assassination of the group’s founder, Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The event was held in the Humanities Quad and lasted three hours, featuring multiple guest speakers, including Christian evangelist preacher Ray Comfort. Comfort led an interactive panel discussion that encouraged audience members to ask questions and express their opinions regarding Christianity.
Following Kirk’s death, the CSUF chapter, led by president Isaac Hernandez, decided to pause all activities. This period allowed members to mourn and prioritize safety before resuming gatherings. To ensure a secure environment, heightened security measures were put in place for the event, which included the use of drones for crowd monitoring, as confirmed by CSUF Police spokesperson Marissa Garza. The presence of multiple layers of police and safety personnel further contributed to attendees’ safety.
Hernandez highlighted the objective of creating a culture of conversation at CSUF, promoting dialogue regardless of differing viewpoints. The event attracted not only students but also representatives from various small conservative and Christian groups, several of whom held banners and distributed literature.
Attendees expressed a keen interest in the topics presented, largely shaped by their Christian faith, and emphasized the importance of open dialogue. Notable remarks from attendees included a sentiment from a 22-year-old CSUF alumna who felt inspired by Kirk’s passing to share the Gospel more fervently. Another participant, a 26-year-old business student, voiced his concerns regarding political polarization and mentioned that his involvement with Turning Point stemmed from attending a vigil for Kirk.
To stimulate discussion engagement, the event offered participants a $5 In-N-Out gift card. Key topics addressed during the event included religious beliefs, sexuality, abortion, evolution, and immigration. While the overall atmosphere remained calm, some students passing by expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the event’s discussion approach. Criticism was also voiced by a fourth-year psychology major, who took issue with the comedic tone used for serious topics and the perceived lack of consideration for opposing opinions.
The event was not without contrasting views, as individuals holding anti-abortion signs and displaying graphic messaging were present outside the gathering. The event wrapped up with remarks from Council Member Amy Phan West, who emphasized the importance of defending freedom of speech. Additionally, the event was broadcast live on the Living Waters YouTube channel, marking a collaboration with the Living Waters ministry.
Turning Point USA, established by Kirk in 2012, aims to empower young conservatives through activism and education. Under Kirk’s leadership, the organization has worked to engage young people in political discourse on various campuses nationwide. Kirk had previously spoken at a CSUF event in 2024, making his assassination a significant loss for the group and its mission.
The “Speak Your Mind” event not only served as a platform for dialogue on pivotal issues but also highlighted the resilience of the Turning Point USA chapter in the face of tragedy, showcasing their commitment to fostering open discussions among students and community members.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Social Media Platforms Face Scrutiny After Political Assassination
Tragic Shooting Ignites National Debate on Rights and Violence
Tragic Shooting at Utah Valley University
San Diego Community Reacts to Murder of Activist
Assassination of Conservative Activist Shakes Political Landscape
Bed Bath & Beyond Cancels New Store Openings in California
Major X Platform Outage Leaves Users in the Lurch
Mark Zuckerberg Takes the Stand in Antitrust Trial
Registration Challenges Hit El Camino College Amid Fraud Increase
Knott’s Berry Farm Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Boysenberry Festival
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Turning Point USA Hosts Event
- Daily Titan: Turning Point USA Event
- OC Register: CSUF Faculty Projects on AI
- Patheos: The Final Turning Point on Charlie Kirk
- OC Register: Cheers to CSUF Class of 2025
- Google Search: Turning Point USA
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
