Gov. Gianforte Encourages Students at Turning Point USA Event in Bozeman

Honors Charlie Kirk's life and mission of faith, freedom, and love of country

Governor's Office

BOZEMAN, Mont. - At a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event at Montana State University (MSU), Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday shared a message rooted in his Christian faith for students looking to carry the mission of Charlie Kirk forward following his assassination.

The event hosted 2,800 Montana State students and several hundred Montanans on campus to honor the life and memory of Charlie Kirk, the TPUSA founder, who was assassinated in September at Utah Valley University. The event featured the governor, TPUSA MSU chapter leadership, and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Gov. Gianforte speaking during the Turning Point USA event at Montana State University

Earlier this year, Kirk launched a tour to visit several campuses across the country to take questions from students where he encouraged those who disagree with him to ask questions first. On September 10, 2025, Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University during the first stop of his 2025 fall tour which was formerly called the "American Comeback Tour." The governor was scheduled to introduce Kirk at the MSU event scheduled prior to his assassination.

The "This is the Turning Point Tour" is continuing at universities across the country in honor of Charlie's life. The event at MSU was the fourth tour stop of the tour that launched since Kirk's death. Opening in prayer, the governor gave thanks to God, acknowledge the loss of Charlie, and asked for comfort for his family and those impacted by his death.

"Lord, we are thankful for each and every soul that is here tonight and those that are joining us online as we gather to celebrate and continue the great work of Your servant Charlie. We pray tonight that this tragedy could truly be a Turning Point for our nation. Turn us away from divisiveness, separation and violence, and toward engagement, respectful dialogue, and reconciliation," the governor prayed.

Proceeding with remarks on his and the First Lady's personal relationship with Kirk beginning 13 years ago, the governor spoke of his belief in the TPUSA mission of faith, freedom, and love of country before sharing four ways Montanans can continue the mission in the wake of Kirk's death. The first to pursue a faith in God, the second to seek truth and understanding through research and reading, the third to get married and raise a family, and the final to treat others with respect and engage in dialogue even through disagreement.

Before closing, the governor referenced Romans 8:28, stating, "The Word is clear, it says all things work together for good. Even tragic, evil things. God promises to use them for his Glory and our good. He is doing that with Charlie's tragic death. But the baton has been passed to us now. It is our obligation to pick it up and carry it forward."

Turning Point USA is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk. The organization's mission is to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government. The organization has program chapters at over 3,500 campuses, including Montana State University in Bozeman. Since Kirk's death, TPUSA reports over 120,000 students have asked to launch over 37,000 new chapters.

View a copy of Gov. Gianforte's remarks here and a recording here .

###