‘Heartbreaking’: Baylor’s Turning Point Chapter president, former president respond to Charlie Kirk assassination

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The news continues to send shockwaves across the nation.

Charlie Kirk, a highly influential and controversial conservative political activist, died after he was shot in the neck at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

“It’s heartbreaking. No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, there’s no room for political violence,” says former chapter president, Ollie Mintz.

Mintz was the president of Baylor’s Turning Point USA Chapter from 2019-2022 and that was only made possible because Charlie Kirk himself helped Mintz establish the organization on campus.

Kirk later came to town to bring his Turning Point USA event to Waco.

“He was very respectful and he was just a good person. He knew my name, he knew my story, he knew everything we had done at Baylor and he was so thankful for it,” Mintz says.

The current chapter president, Peter Fernandez, and the current chapter VP, Jessica Frausto, are hurting just the same.

They say they remember Kirk for his fearlessness and his dedication to America, especially young adults.

“The youth are what’s next and he always, always took time to make sure we have a voice,” Fernandez says.

They say he left big shoes to fill but that they are determined to carry on his legacy.

“Seeing his dedication has really encouraged me to also not be afraid to share my political beliefs and to stand up for what I believe in,” Frausto adds.

While they mourn this tragic event, they continue to remember the personal experiences with someone they say was meant to change the world.

“It’s a very tough day for all of us and he made it a point to know everybody who was involved and thanked everybody for the work that we put in,” Mintz says.

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