Key Takeaways
- The Simpson University chapter of Turning Point USA is holding its first public event in Redding, which is expected to draw both supporters and critics of the national organization.
- The event, called Faith Night, will feature speakers including Tom Crandall, Evan Jones, and Dr. Daniel Sloan, and will include worship, testimony, and a gospel message.
- Turning Point USA is a conservative group that aims to promote fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government, and has been associated with controversy and criticism in the past.
- The group’s late national co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was a prominent conservative activist and ally of Donald Trump, and was known for his criticism of gay and transgender rights, as well as his comments on Islamophobia and the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- The event has sparked controversy in Redding, with some groups planning to protest and criticizing the group for promoting hate and extremism.
Introduction to Turning Point USA
The Simpson University chapter of Turning Point USA is holding its first public event in Redding, which is expected to draw both supporters and critics of the national organization. The event, called Faith Night, will be held on February 7 at the Redding Civic Auditorium and will feature speakers including Tom Crandall, overseer of evangelism and outreach at the Bethel Church megachurch in Redding, Evan Jones, a Simpson University business student and president of the Turning Point USA chapter, and Dr. Daniel Sloan, a professor of business and department chair at Simpson University. The event is free and open to the public, and is expected to include worship, testimony, and a gospel message.
Background on Charlie Kirk
The group’s late national co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was a prominent conservative activist and ally of Donald Trump. Kirk served as the executive director of Turning Point USA from 2012 until his death in September 2025, when he was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk was known for his criticism of gay and transgender rights, and made comments that were widely criticized as Islamophobic. He also called the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 a "mistake" and a destructive force in American politics. Kirk’s death was met with shock and outrage from many in the conservative community, and his legacy continues to be felt through the work of Turning Point USA.
Controversy Surrounding the Event
The event has sparked controversy in Redding, with some groups planning to protest and criticizing the group for promoting hate and extremism. A flier posted by opponents circulating on local social media says that "Turning Point is not welcome here. No hate! Redding stands for democracy, inclusion and truth. Hate-based extremism has no home here." Kim Ressa, one of the protest organizers, said that Turning Point USA could have held their event on the Simpson University campus, rather than in a city-owned building that is paid for with tax dollars. Ressa also stated that while the group has the right to hold their event, it is not an event that is welcome in the town, and that it promotes hate and right-wing propaganda.
Response from Turning Point USA
Evan Jones, the president of the Turning Point USA chapter at Simpson University, said that the event is planned to be like a church service, and that everyone is welcome to attend. Jones also stated that he is not against people protesting the event, but asked that they be respectful and kind, especially to the families that will be attending. Jones denied that the group promotes hate, and said that they welcome people from all backgrounds and perspectives. He also stated that the group is planning to hold more events in the future, and that there is interest in starting chapters at several Redding-area high schools.
City’s Response to the Event
The city of Redding has stated that the Turning Point USA chapter has the right to hold their event at the Redding Civic Auditorium, as long as they follow standard booking procedures and guidelines. Julie Dyar, the general manager of Advance Redding, which manages the auditorium, said that the city respects and is committed to upholding the First Amendment rights of all residents and groups. Dyar also stated that the city supports the right of community members to peacefully protest and voice their opposition, and that the priority will be on having a safe and orderly event for everyone involved.
Protest Plans
Groups backing the protest scheduled to occur at the Redding Civic Auditorium on February 7 include Redding Resistance, Shasta County Democratic Action Club, and shastaexposed.com. The protest is planned to take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and is expected to include signs, chants, and other forms of peaceful protest. Shasta Xposed, one of the groups organizing the protest, stated on their Facebook page that they are aware of their rights, including their civil rights, and that they are equally aware that the law is on their side. The group stated that peaceful protest on lawful public property is protected under both California law and the Constitution.
