The Turning Point USA conference in Phoenix displayed a recreated tent resembling the spot where Charlie Kirk was reported to have been shot, and attendees posed for selfies in front of it. MS NOW reporter Brandy Zadrozny documented people saying “For Charlie” and wearing shirts like the one Kirk was reported to have been wearing. The installation drew sharp criticism from several MAGA and pro‑Trump voices, who called it exploitative and in poor taste. Erika Kirk now leads TPUSA, and authorities have charged 22‑year‑old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in connection with the shooting.
TPUSA Conference ‘Photo‑Op’ Recreated Tent From Charlie Kirk Shooting Sparks Outrage
A display at the Turning Point USA conference in Phoenix — a recreated tent resembling the site where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was reported to have been shot in September — provoked a fierce backlash online after attendees were photographed posing for selfies in front of it.
MS NOW reporter Brandy Zadrozny described conferencegoers queuing to take photos at the mock‑up and said some appeared to be expressing grief while wearing shirts similar to the one Kirk was reported to have been wearing at the time of the incident. "You can see from behind me, this is a recreation of the tent where Charlie Kirk lost his life at Utah [Valley] University in September, and people are taking selfies with it," Zadrozny reported. "You can see all around people are saying, like, 'For Charlie.' They’re wearing replicas of the shirt that Charlie Kirk was wearing when he was killed. So there’s that moment."
Social Media Backlash
The images and video drew condemnation from several conservative and MAGA‑aligned commentators, who called the exhibit tasteless, exploitative and manipulative.
“This is a disgusting and satanic macabre display and creating idols by TPUSA,” wrote a self‑described MAGA investigative journalist using the handle @SwordTruth.
Other critics echoed similar complaints. One account described the scene as “very sick, morbid and dark,” while another said they found the display “weird or disgusting” even if many followers did not. Pro‑Trump account Project Constitution labeled the installation “SICK BEYOND WORDS,” accusing Turning Point USA of staging trauma to shape a narrative, solicit donations, and manipulate emotions.
Some conservative commentators called the display disrespectful to Kirk’s memory and questioned who at TPUSA approved turning an apparent death site into a photo backdrop.
Context
Turning Point USA is now led by Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, according to the reporting included in coverage of the conference. Authorities have charged 22‑year‑old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in connection with the shooting at Utah Valley University, per public reports cited in coverage.
The recreated tent and the selfies taken there prompted debate across social media about appropriate ways to mourn public figures, the ethics of reenactment at political events, and how organizations use emotionally charged displays to convey messages or fundraise.
Note: Coverage of this event includes reported claims about the shooting and legal proceedings. Editors should verify all factual details (including descriptions of the tent, who was photographed, and the status of criminal charges) with primary sources before republication.
