During the Turning Point USA AmericaFest gathering in Phoenix, Erika Kirk bestowed the Charlie Kirk Courage Award upon Caleb Chilcutt, a senior and chapter president from Utah Valley University.
"It was fantastic," Chilcutt remarked about receiving the honor. "I learned about it at 5 p.m. the previous evening, so I was nervous, but it's an experience I'll never forget."
Since Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10, Chilcutt has been actively working to honor Kirk's memory both on campus and throughout Utah.
His biography, displayed during the ceremony, notes that he "is working to establish an official memorial on UVU’s campus to commemorate Charlie and celebrate his life in the very place he was murdered."
Chilcutt mentioned that he has not yet received any response from UVU leadership regarding the memorial proposal.
This marks Chilcutt's third year attending AmericaFest. "I've appreciated seeing the enhancements each year," he stated. "There are certainly some contentious speakers, but I believe everyone has been excellent. This demonstrates that the conservative movement can come together, particularly after a tragedy like Charlie's assassination."
Although Chilcutt prefers to steer clear of controversy, emphasizing, "I'm here to support my chapter and Turning Point," this year's speaker lineup has sparked public debates over the conservative movement's direction.
Erika Kirk Assumes Leadership Role
Following Kirk's assassination, Erika Kirk took over leadership of Turning Point USA, with AmericaFest serving as her first major event as the organization's new head.
As the conference commenced, Ben Shapiro delivered a speech praised by many on the right for its boldness, as he condemned bigotry and conspiracy theories while criticizing several prominent conservative figures, including Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Megyn Kelly.
However, not all believe internal conflicts will fracture the right. Steve Deace, a Blaze TV host who spoke on Saturday, argued that young Republicans are more involved and unified than ever, undeterred by these discussions.
Several young attendees from Utah shared similar views with the Deseret News on Saturday.
Perspectives from Utah Attendees
Riley Beesley, vice chairman of the Utah Federation of College Republicans, noted that such conventions prompt internal dialogues about a party's core beliefs and values, which he considers "fundamentally important."
He stressed that it ultimately revolves around a shared American identity.
"We must address our differences, but shouting, fighting, or incidents like Charlie Kirk's killing for expressing his views—that cannot be tolerated in our nation," Beesley asserted.
This is Beesley's first AmericaFest, joined by over 20 other young Utahns who traveled to Arizona for the four-day conservative event.
"It's their first time as well," he mentioned near the media kiosks, with The Daily Wire's programming audible nearby.
Beesley and Tyler Boyles, field director for the Utah Republican Party, drove from Utah on Wednesday.
"Everyone recognizes there's some disagreement about our party's and movement's future direction," Boyles told the Deseret News toward the end of Saturday's schedule.
"As long as we remain steadfast in our convictions while being open to listening and engaging in these conversations, we're on the correct path," Boyles added.
Lighter Moments at the Event
Actor Rob Schneider, who spoke on Friday, was described as "hilarious" by Beesley. "It was somewhat unexpected, since you might expect him to be heavily political, but he's truly a comedian at heart," he said.
Beesley expressed excitement for the final day, referencing TPUSA COO Tyler Boyer's social media hints about a "big surprise."
"I'm eager to discover what, or even who, that might be," Beesley commented.
On Saturday, Jack Posobiec and Benny Johnson introduced Jeannie Beeman, a Target employee who faced confrontation for wearing a red "Freedom" T-shirt in tribute to Charlie, an incident that gained viral attention in Chico, California.
The audience enthusiastically chanted for 'Grandma Jeannie,' who wore the same shirt from the viral event.
Other notable speakers on Saturday included Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Fox News host Jesse Watters, Allie Stuckey, and conservative activist Riley Gaines.
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to appear on Sunday, alongside Mercury Radio Arts CEO Glenn Beck, White House border czar Tom Homan, and Donald Trump, Jr.
