Protester Dons Charlie Kirk Costume, Reenacts Assassination at Erika Kirk's Event

A protester dressed as Charlie Kirk reenacted his assassination at an event hosted by Erika Kirk, his widow, in San Antonio, Texas. The individual wore a papier-mache head resembling Kirk’s and a white shirt emblazoned with “freedom,” echoing the attire worn by the conservative commentator on the day he was killed.

The protester dropped to the floor, mimicking the moment of Kirk's assassination on September 10 during a Turning Point USA event in Utah. Since that incident, Erika Kirk has taken over the organization.

The protest caught the attention of Turning Point USA, which condemned the act on its Frontlines TPUSA account. They labeled the protester a “radical left-winger” and highlighted chants claiming that Kirk “deserved to die.”

“A radical leftwinger is dressed as Charlie Kirk and is re-enacting his assassination in front of attendees of TPUSA’s women’s conference,” the account stated. “They’ve been mocking Charlie’s assassination and chanting that he ‘deserved to die’ all morning outside of the event.”

Chants from other protesters included accusations of protecting pedophiles and Nazis. As the TPUSA Women’s Leadership Summit unfolded at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, Erika Kirk faced heckling instead of applause when she took the stage.

“Erika Kirk protects pedophiles! Erika Kirk protects pedophiles!” shouted a woman in the crowd, interrupting her speech. Security ultimately escorted the protestor away from the conference hall.

Before continuing her remarks, Erika addressed the disruption, stating, “It’s important to remember that happiness comes and goes — and I pray that you find it.”

She emphasized duty to faithfulness as a source of meaning in life, urging attendees to pray for their enemies. “You pray for your enemies. You pray for those that persecute you,” she added.

The protests coincided with the arrest of Jacob Wenske, 26, charged with two felony counts of making a terrorist threat. He allegedly made online threats regarding the San Antonio conference, hinting at a plot to kill Erika and bomb the event.

In an email obtained by authorities, Wenske reportedly wrote: “Death to Erika Kirk and every single speaker there!! America will live on without those scum on this earth. Every Christian nationalist shall perish in the bombing that will take place at every single Turning Point rally and event.”

Wenske also made social media comments about taking Erika’s life, including one post stating, “I can’t wait to be the valet for her escort,” and another declaring, “I know exactly where to bomb.”

TPUSA expressed gratitude to San Antonio authorities for swiftly addressing the threats and apprehending Wenske before any harm could occur. The organization assured attendees of enhanced security measures in place to prevent attacks.

“We are grateful to the San Antonio Police Department and the FBI for their rapid response and arrest of the individual making these threats. All TPUSA events include enhanced, multi-layered security measures that are enforced by both private security and local police,” they stated.

“We refuse to let threats silence us,” TPUSA added. “We look forward to a successful and inspiring gathering June 5–7 in San Antonio for 2,500+ ladies attending the Women’s Leadership Summit!”