October Turning Point USA Event at Montana State Features Ramaswamy, Gianforte

BOZEMAN — Turning Point USA will bring its “American Comeback Tour” to Montana State University on October 7, featuring Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Governor Greg Gianforte in an event that takes on heightened significance following the assassination of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk last month.

The free evening event, scheduled for 6:30 p.m., continues Kirk’s mission of engaging college students in political dialogue. Registration opened this week through the organization’s website, with both student and general admission tickets available.

“Each stop is a chance to honor Charlie’s mission and keep the fight alive,” organizers stated on the event page. “We know he wouldn’t want us to surrender or be coerced into silence.”

Kirk, 31, was shot by a sniper while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. The assassination prompted widespread condemnation from Montana political leaders and sparked memorial ceremonies across the state.

Governor Gianforte, who knew Kirk personally, previously called his death “heartbreaking news” and emphasized that “political violence has no place in America.” The governor’s participation in the MSU event marks his first TPUSA appearance since Kirk’s death.

“I’ve known Charlie since he was a teenager,” Gianforte posted on social media following the assassination. “He dedicated his life to supporting the next generation of leaders and getting young people involved in government.”

Ramaswamy Brings National Profile

Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and 2026 Republican candidate for Ohio governor, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker. Ramaswamy filed to enter the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election on February 15, 2025, and officially announced his run on February 24.

The 39-year-old entrepreneur received Trump’s endorsement for his gubernatorial bid, with the president calling him “something SPECIAL” and stating “He will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!” Ramaswamy previously launched a brief Republican presidential campaign in 2024 and founded pharmaceutical company Roivant Sciences. His speaking appearance continues TPUSA’s tradition of bringing high-profile conservative figures to college campuses.

Continuing Kirk’s Campus Mission

The Montana State event was originally planned as part of Kirk’s tour schedule before his assassination. Jeremy Carl, a frequent Montana political commentator, had called for the tour to continue as “an incredible tribute to Charlie and the ideas he fought so bravely for.”

Kirk first spoke publicly in Montana at Sykes Diner in Kalispell in 2014 and maintained strong connections to the state throughout his career. He appeared at the University of Montana last September, engaging students and veterans in dialogue alongside Senator Tim Sheehy.

“When you stop talking is when the violence starts,” was one of Kirk’s frequently cited principles about campus engagement. The assassinated activist believed open dialogue was essential to preventing political violence and maintaining democratic discourse.

Montana TPUSA chapters have organized memorial ceremonies across the state since Kirk’s death, including a vigil at the University of Montana that drew over 500 people.

Event Details and Security

The October 7 event will include video and audio recording for possible educational and promotional use. Attendees must register in advance and verify their tickets via SMS confirmation.

Standard security protocols apply, with organizers noting that “all persons and property can be searched at any time” and “visibly intoxicated or disruptive individuals will be refused entry or ejected.”

The event page emphasizes that free speech remains central to TPUSA’s mission despite recent challenges. “Free speech is only free if we use our voices,” organizers stated.

Montana State University has not yet announced specific campus policies for the event. The university’s TPUSA chapter is hosting the program as part of the organization’s ongoing campus outreach efforts.

“Charlie was passionate about his faith in Christ; he was passionate about civic engagement,” memorial organizers wrote following recent Montana ceremonies. “We have the opportunity now to continue this great legacy.”