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Governor Stitt and Russell Brand Honor Charlie Kirk at OU Event

Crowd gathered for Charlie Kirk tribute event at OU

News Summary

The Lloyd Noble Center at the University of Oklahoma hosted a tribute event to honor the late Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA. Governor Kevin Stitt emphasized Kirk’s impact on youth while comedian Russell Brand shared his journey of faith and personal growth. The event took place amid heightened security, attracting over 6,000 attendees paying tribute to Kirk’s legacy and the conservative values he stood for. Prominent figures participated in celebrating Kirk’s life and promoting the mission of Turning Point USA.

Governor Stitt and Russell Brand Honor Late Turning Point USA Co-founder Charlie Kirk at OU Event Amid Heightened Security

On October 16, 2025, the Lloyd Noble Center at the University of Oklahoma was buzzing with energy as **Turning Point USA** hosted **This is The Turning Point Tour**. This high-profile event was particularly poignant, coming just over a month after the tragic shooting of **Charlie Kirk**, co-founder of Turning Point USA, during a campus event in Utah on September 10, 2025. The atmosphere was charged as speakers gathered to celebrate Kirk’s legacy while addressing a crowd that exceeded initial expectations.

High Demand and Heightened Security

Originally planned for the McCasland Fieldhouse, the event was moved to the much larger Lloyd Noble Center after selling out rapidly, attracting over **6,000 RSVPs**. Attendees were warmly welcomed but with a heightened sense of security; metal detectors were in place, and only essentials were allowed inside to ensure everyone’s safety following Kirk’s assassination.

Governor Stitt Kicks Off the Tribute

Kicking off the evening, Oklahoma’s Governor **Kevin Stitt** took the stage to reflect on Charlie Kirk’s impact on young people and the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs. He encouraged the audience to feel proud of their presence at the event, praising their commitment to promoting conservative values, a cause that was close to Kirk’s heart.

Stitt drew inspiration from biblical characters—**Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego**—who bravely maintained their beliefs despite pressure. This parallel served to motivate young individuals to focus on their relationships that elevate their faith and aspirations. He emphasized the need for courage and faithfulness, likening it to the biblical stories of **Caleb and Joshua**, thereby encouraging attendees to pursue their dreams boldly.

Celebrating Charlie Kirk’s Birthday

Another notable moment was when **Savannah Chrisley**, the reality TV star, shared her experiences of facing backlash and reemphasized the value of prioritizing truth over popularity. She even led the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Charlie Kirk, who would have celebrated his **32nd birthday** on October 14.

Russell Brand’s Journey of Faith and Redemption

On the lighter side, comedian **Russell Brand** captivated the audience with his personal story of faith and redemption. He opened up about the meaning he’s found through adversity and his past struggles with fame. Brand candidly discussed his current challenges, choosing to focus on personal growth and spiritual understanding rather than seeking judgment, making for a fulfilling and inspiring dialogue.

A Thought-Provoking Audience Interaction

As questions flowed from the audience, one inquiry about the separation of **church and state** prompted Brand to voice his opinions against such a divide. Despite the controversies surrounding his past, he emphasized the crucial role of faith in facing modern societal issues. The evening remained a blend of humor and reflection, all while honoring Kirk’s lasting impact on individuals committed to conservative values.

Safety and Community Commitment

Throughout the event, the cooperation of local law enforcement, including the *OU Police, Norman Police, and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office,* ensured a secure environment for all participants. The **OU chapter of Turning Point USA** anticipated an impressive turnout, expecting between **7,000 and 8,000 attendees**. Thankfully, the evening went on without any reported altercations.

Conclusion: A Legacy to Uphold

With various attendees donning shirts and hats displaying support for Kirk, the event served not only as a tribute but also as a reaffirmation of Turning Point USA’s mission—a cause Charlie Kirk was deeply passionate about promoting.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence 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 the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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