Student-led protest demonstrations unfold amid Turning Point USA Student Action Summit
Share and Follow


TAMPA, Fla. (WRIC) — Student-led protest demonstrations lined the streets of City Hall to the Convention Center amid Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit.

The national conservative-led annual event includes speakers include various U.S. national officials such as White House border czar Tom Homan, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and actors such as Russell Brand.

Students from across the state and country joined Saturday’s protest led by University of South Florida’s Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society.

“Turning Point USA, no matter how it might try to present itself, they are not coming on to campus to try and talk about free speech. They are not trying to promote debate and discussion,” said Oliver Cheese, a junior at Florida State University. “They’re coming onto campuses, spread propaganda to spread hatred, and so we have to have an organized response to that.”

Conservative students in support of Turning Point USA’s event told News Channel 8 they showed up to the protest in search of peaceful dialogue.

“We really just want to bring people together,” said Ava Lacey, Turning Point USA at the University of Arkansas chapter president. “We don’t care where you’re from, how much money you make, what the color of your skin is, none of that. We just want to promote constitutional rights.”

Protesters told News Channel 8 they reject the beliefs and agenda of Turning Point USA.

“The general attitude on campus among Latino students and immigrant students that their rights are under attack, that they’re under threat of being deported, of having ICE raid them in their dorms,” said Cheese.

Non-student supporters were also in attendance and weighed in on the matter.

“The reality is there’s two different kinds of immigrants; those who get here legally and those who get here illegally,” said Adam Francisco, a Mexican-born immigrant. “I support legal immigration, I’m a legal immigrant myself, and I stand against anyone who cuts the line or doesn’t respect our laws.”

Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit will continue Sunday, July 13.

Protest organizers have not yet said if demonstrations will continue into the event’s last day.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Six Individuals Detained Following RCSO Search at Augusta Hotel

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – In a coordinated operation on Wednesday, the Richmond…

NATO Allies Challenge Trump’s Greenland Stance: A Turning Point for Global Order?

During the Davos summit this week, leaders from some of America’s closest…

Japan Faces Fifth Consecutive Year of Trade Deficit Challenges

TOKYO – Japan finds itself grappling with a persistent trade deficit for…

Ex-Uvalde Officer Cleared in Trial Regarding Police Response to Robb Elementary Incident

A former police officer from Uvalde was found not guilty on Wednesday…

Revitalizing Labor Leadership: East Central Illinois AFL-CIO Welcomes 9 Dynamic New Officers

In Savoy, Illinois, significant changes are underway for union workers in the…

2026 Veterans’ Salute and Military Update: Savannah Chamber of Commerce Honors Service Members

SAVANNAH, Ga. — In a heartfelt tribute to those who serve, the…

Bangladesh’s Historic Election: Voters Prepare for Landmark Post-Hasina Era

DHAKA – On Thursday, Bangladesh entered a pivotal phase as political campaigning…

Revolutionizing Convenience: Orlando International Airport’s Ambitious Plan for Smart Parking Expansion

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport is gearing up for significant growth…