SAN ANTONIO — More than 100 protesters gathered Saturday outside the Turning Point USA Women’s Leadership Summit at the Marriott Rivercenter, creating a highly visible demonstration marked by competing political messages, debates, and a significant police presence.
Among the protesters was student Luthiem Hashempour, who said she attended part of the conference before deciding to join the demonstration. She criticized what she described as racially insensitive messaging she encountered at the event and expressed concern about the organization’s influence.
On the other side, Katherine, a student at the University of South Alabama and a board member of a Turning Point USA chapter, said the organization had provided opportunities she values, including funding for her attendance at the summit.
Turning Point USA, founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk, has become one of the most prominent conservative youth organizations in the United States, operating chapters at high schools and colleges nationwide. Following Kirk’s reported death in 2025, leadership of the organization passed to his widow, Erika Kirk, who was among the featured speakers at the summit.
The protest took place amid heightened security after authorities arrested a San Antonio man last month for allegedly making threats against Erika Kirk and the event.
Members of the Church of Wells were also present outside the summit. Church member Hannah Gardner said their purpose was not to protest the conference itself but to engage attendees in religious discussions.
Throughout the day, protesters and conference attendees debated issues including abortion, immigration, religion, racism, sexism, and Islamophobia. Traffic on Commerce Street was briefly affected as crowds grew outside the venue, prompting police to redirect vehicles.
Several confrontations occurred during the demonstration. In one incident, a bullhorn was knocked from a participant’s hands. In another, police detained a man following a heated altercation, taking him into custody outside the hotel.
No major injuries were reported, but the event underscored the deep political and cultural divisions surrounding Turning Point USA and its growing role in conservative activism.
