Former UMD Turning Point Leader Reflects on Death of Charlie Kirk
DULUTH, Minn. — Political tensions on college campuses continue to rise, with students often caught between free speech and fierce backlash. The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk has reignited those debates, especially for one former UMD student who once led a chapter of Kirk’s organization.
Charlie Kirk built a national movement by engaging young conservatives — including students at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
One of them was Sam Spanier. Spanier was on his way to class at his new college when he saw the headlines: Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, had been assassinated.
Spanier had once led a chapter of that same organization at UMD.
“I immediately went to the chapel here on campus, and I just started praying,” Spanier said. “I was shocked, horrified. I watched the videos. I had to delete my social media because it just kept showing videos and pictures. And it was, it was just too much.”
Kirk, he says, wasn’t just a political figure — he was a personal role model. “Charlie Kirk was a role model for a lot of us — not even just politically, but the way that he loved God, the way that he loved his family, the way that he loved his country.”
Inspired by Kirk’s message, Spanier founded a Turning Point USA chapter at UMD. But he says the goal was never to stir controversy — it was about making space for conversation.
Charlie Kirk
(CNN)
“My goal with starting the Turning Point chapter was not to change people’s minds. It wasn’t to try to argue with people,” he explained. “My goal was literally, I want to sit and do my homework at this table, and people who are walking by can see that it’s okay to think other things.”
But with visibility came backlash. Spanier says he received threats — serious enough that he ultimately left the chapter, and later, transferred schools.
“Another student at the school threatened to shoot me and threatened to shoot all the chapter members,” he said.“I didn’t feel safe at the school, and so I transferred.”
Now, watching the political figure he once looked up to be killed, Spanier says his mission hasn’t changed — if anything, it’s only strengthened.
“I’m standing up for what I believe in, and that’s what Charlie Kirk would want.”
But with Kirk’s death, Spanier fears something greater is at risk: the right to speak freely. “I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that a little bit of free speech died with Charlie.”
Though he didn’t always agree with every stance Kirk took, Spanier believes the loss should prompt reflection — even from those who didn’t support Kirk.
“Even if you didn’t agree with specific political stances — I didn’t agree with every political stance he held — but everybody should come together and respect the man that Charlie Kirk was.”
FOX21 asked UMD for a response to Spanier’s situation.
In a statement the University said, “The safety of our campus community is a top priority. UMD stands firmly against acts of violence, intimidation, harassment, discrimination, or other hostile actions. Individuals experiencing any of these actions are encouraged to report them. All reports are taken seriously and thoroughly reviewed. UMDPD conducted an immediate and thorough investigation after receiving this report, and the individual was charged with felony threats of violence-reckless disregard, and 5th degree assault, inflicting fear of bodily harm or death. Due to state and federal privacy laws, we are unable to provide additional details about any University actions with regard to the involved student. Respectful disagreement and debate are welcome at UMD. We are firmly committed to the rights of students, faculty, staff and visitors to our campus to freely express their views through open and respectful dialogue, regardless of viewpoint.”
FOX21 checked the court records.
The person accused of threatening Spanier was the President of the Young Democratic Socialists of America.
He is slated for a pre-trial hearing on October 24, 2025.
