WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Purdue students are shared mixed reactions to conservative activist and media personality Charlie Kirk’s upcoming visit.
Kirk arrives to campus this Thursday as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” The tour, which spans eight college campuses across the country, offers students a chance to debate Kirk on various political issues.
News 18 spent the day speaking with Purdue students and faculty about Kirk’s visit, and both groups are expecting a large turnout for the event.
The students we spoke with had a range of opinions about Kirk’s appearance at Purdue.
“I’m actually really excited. When I saw the announcement, I was jumping for joy. I really appreciate his content,” said Maksim Pohorylo, a freshman at Purdue.
On the other hand, some students are more skeptical. “I don’t know, I just feel like he is very, very, very far-right in his views,” said Paul Dykstra, an independent student.
Kirk’s visit to Purdue is part of his “American Comeback Tour,” which includes stops at several college campuses. According to the Turning Point USA website, more locations will be announced soon. Tickets to the event are free.
Kirk, the founder and president of Turning Point USA, a national conservative student organization for high school and college students, has nearly five million followers on “X” (formerly Twitter) where he shares his political views.
News 18 also spoke with two Purdue freshmen who plan to attend the event. Both Pohorylo and Dykstra expressed respect for differing political perspectives and welcomed the opportunity for civil discourse. However, Dykstra had concerns about how Kirk presents the debates.
“The content he posts is very much focused on him, reigning victorious and proving others wrong. I think there could be more balance, showing both sides of the argument,” said Dykstra. “Some people might enjoy the chance to challenge him or prove him wrong.”
Pohorylo added, “There are plenty of people who are both for and against Charlie Kirk’s visit, but I think this event will be eye-opening for some and reassuring for others. Just seeing a figure they admire come to campus and engage with them is important.”
The event will start at 12 p.m. on Thursday in West Lafayette. Tickets are free.
