Statement on Upcoming Kyle Rittenhouse Event Issued by Western Kentucky University

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – An official statement has been issued by Western Kentucky University (WKU) regarding a scheduled event where the contentious figure, Kyle Rittenhouse, is slated to speak on March 27.

Details of the Event

The event is set to be hosted by Turning Point USA at Western Kentucky University. It will feature Rittenhouse expounding on what TPUSA’s website taglines as “the importance of the Second Amendment and the lies of BLM.” Rittenhouse, as reported by the Associated Press, was acquitted in a well-publicized case of shooting two protesters, and injuring another, during a 2020 protest against police brutality and racism in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He defended his actions by claiming self-defense.

University’s Statement

In a released statement on Thursday, WKU clarified:

“Since this event is not sponsored by WKU, we do not have any additional details to share. You are encouraged to contact the event’s organizers with any questions. While WKU’s commitment to free speech includes allowing groups to invite guests to campus, that does not mean that the university supports, endorses or agrees with the views of those individuals.”

Location and Time

The event will take place at the Downing Student Union, starting at 7 p.m. on March 27. The notification of this event has been posted by Turning Point USA at Western Kentucky University on their social media page.

Counter Demonstration

In reaction to the scheduled Rittenhouse event, a group known as BG Freedom Walkers, based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has planned a “counter protest.” This counter demonstration is to take place at the E.A. Diddle Arena parking lot, in close proximity to the Downing Student Union, on the same date.

Efforts to Contact the Event Organizers

Efforts have been made to reach out to Turning Point USA at Western Kentucky University, the event’s organizers, via Instagram but there has been no response as of this time.

Updates regarding this matter will be shared as they become available.