Mon Sep 22 11:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was recently murdered. He was scheduled to speak in Minneapolis, but conservative commentator Michael Knowles will now be speaking there instead. Kirk had a large impact on conservatives, including Minnesota State Representative Elliot Engen, who modeled his own political activism after Kirk and founded the Turning Point chapter at his university. Engen views Kirk as an inspiration and believes his legacy of speaking up for conservative beliefs must continue.
**News Article:**
**Minneapolis Event to Proceed Following Charlie Kirk’s Death, Michael Knowles to Fill In**
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – An event planned in Minneapolis as part of Charlie Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” will proceed as scheduled this Monday at the University of Minnesota’s Northrop auditorium, despite Kirk’s tragic death in Utah on September 10. Conservative commentator Michael Knowles will now take the stage in Kirk’s place. The sold-out event requires registration for attendance, and the venue will be closed leading up to the event.
Kirk, founder of the political advocacy organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death has sent shockwaves through the conservative movement. A memorial service was held in Glendale, Arizona, drawing thousands of mourners, including former President Donald Trump.
For many young conservatives, Kirk was an inspirational figure. Minnesota State Representative Elliott Engen, a Republican representing parts of Anoka and Ramsey counties, credits Kirk with inspiring him to pursue his own political career. Engen founded the Turning Point chapter at Hamline University and was elected to the state House in 2022, becoming the first Gen Z Republican in the Legislature.
“He was the voice of a generation, somebody who showed our generation that you can speak up for what you believe in,” Engen said. He further emphasized the importance of continuing Kirk’s legacy, stating, “Somebody tried taking away Charlie Kirk’s voice that day, and what they didn’t recognize is that a single bullet can’t kill a movement. We all have to pick up the mic, just as he did, and speak for our generation.”
Engen, who was looking forward to meeting with Kirk in Minneapolis, plans to attend the event, pending security details. He hopes attendees will be prepared to continue the political dialogue that Kirk championed.
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