At the University of New Mexico (UNM), a man was apprehended after allegedly attempting to pilfer signs from Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization.
The incident unfolded when the individual, masked and confrontational, approached the group's table and provocatively stated, "Kirk got shot in the neck for a reason." This remark referred to the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
As reported by Breitbart, the confrontation was captured on video and shared by Frontlines TPUSA, the official account for Turning Point USA's national coverage. In the footage, a woman off-camera challenges the masked man's statement, reminding him, "Charlie was a father and a husband." The man dismissively retorts, "So are a lot of socialists."
The woman counters, "Okay, but just because I think socialism sucks doesnt mean I think socialists should be murdered. I think youre allowed to have your own opinion and not be killed for it." Despite the woman's plea for civility, the man accuses Kirk of inciting violence before seizing the group's signs and walking away.
The situation escalated when campus police were called, leading to the man's arrest. Video footage shows officers placing him in handcuffs, though he appeared to resist being escorted off campus. During the arrest, a student supporter encouraged the man, identified as "Kaitlin," with words of support, while another student mentioned notifying the Students for Justice in Palestine, a campus organization.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for the University of New Mexico emphasized the institution's commitment to free speech and the exchange of ideas. "The University of New Mexico is firmly committed to the principles of free speech and values its role as a public square for debate, a marketplace of ideas, and a place to test and challenge competing viewpoints and opinions," the spokesperson told Fox News. They further assured that the university is dedicated to safeguarding constitutionally protected expression while ensuring campus safety.
This confrontation is not an isolated event. Just last week, Turning Point USA activists at the University of Arizona faced verbal harassment when an individual referred to them as "Nazis" and ominously warned, "watch your neck," alluding to Kirk's assassination. Despite these challenges, the organization has witnessed a surge in interest, with over 120,000 students expressing a desire to establish new chapters in high schools and colleges nationwide.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has galvanized support for Turning Point USA, underscoring the ongoing struggle for free speech on college campuses. As the organization continues to expand, it remains a focal point for debates surrounding conservative values and the right to express differing opinions without fear of violence.
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