BOZEMAN - Turning Point USA made its latest stop at Montana State University Tuesday evening, drawing a crowd of thousands to the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse for a night of political conversation.
The event officially began at 6:30 p.m., but eager attendees were lining up outside as early as 8 a.m. to be front and center.
Watch: Turning Point USA packs MSU fieldhouse with 3,300 attendees
“There are so many young people that are eager to have something to connect to,” said one woman who had been waiting since that morning.
Several counterprotesters also gathered outside the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse ahead of the event.
Doors opened around 5 p.m., with students admitted first, followed by the general public. The 3,300 seats were quickly filled, and Charlie Kirk posters were set out for each attendee.
Energy was high as speakers took the stage, including Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, whose remarks moved the crowd.
“We are all Charlie now,” Gianforte said. “In the words of Pete Hegseth, ‘Well done, Charlie. We got it from here.’”
Watch related coverage: Gianforte - Turning Point USA event in Bozeman focused on dialogue
Vivek Ramaswamy, American entrepreneur and politician, received a standing ovation both when he arrived and when he left. He spoke about the American dream and remembered Charlie Kirk.
“The beauty of this new American dream is that it is the same one that has guided us at every step of the way for the last two and a half centuries, just as it will for the next two and a half centuries,” Ramaswamy said.
The political conversation continued as more than 50 students lined up to ask Ramaswamy questions. The Q&A lasted about an hour before the Turning Point USA team wrapped up the evening.
The next stop for the Turning Point USA tour is at the University of North Dakota.
