Why Charlie Kirk’s microphone was turned off at Penn State’s Turning Point USA Rally

Luke Pieczynski and Cooper Cazares contributed to this report.

Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk didn’t really have a chance to speak during his “Turning Point USA” tour stop at Penn State on Thursday.

As representatives from Turning Point USA addressed the crowd on the HUB Lawn for several minutes, their microphone was turned off in the middle of the segment, making it nearly impossible for attendees to hear Kirk and the other speakers due to crowd noise.

Morgonn McMichael, a staff member at Turning Point USA, told Onward State that a Penn State staff member came to the event and told the group to turn off the sound. McMichael said they have been turned off at other universities and that the group had approval from Penn State to be on campus.

Onward State received comment from Penn State spokeswoman Lisa Powers, who said that while Turning Point USA was allowed to be on campus, the group did not have permission from the university to invite a speaker. In addition, Powers said the group was reminded on the morning of the event that Kirk was not permitted to invite speakers.

“The Turning Point USA student group’s requested activity was to set up an information distribution table, and that was approved,” Powers said.

“There was no request, nor did the group follow university policy for a speaker. Regardless, Charlie Kirk’s presence on campus is permitted under the First Amendment to the Constitution as well as Penn State policy AD 51.”Use of outdoor spaces for expressive activities”, The handbook provides guidance for anyone who wants to give lectures at Penn State’s external locations.

“However, under AD51 there are requirements that must be followed, including prohibiting the use of sound amplification devices between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

“Turning Point USA student leaders were aware of this restriction and were specifically reminded this morning prior to the start of their event that amplification was not permitted.

“After the event began, the group was asked to stop the amplification because it violated AD 51, which the University must enforce consistently at all events and groups. As a strong supporter of free speech, the University did not ask the group to stop its activities or to end the event. It could have continued without amplification, as was seen when another speaker continued at the Turning Point USA event after the sound amplification was turned off.”

After the microphones were turned off, Kirk and representatives from Penn State Turning Point USA continued speaking and handing out merchandise to those in attendance, before leaving the venue shortly thereafter.