Brilyn Hollyhand has begun a major speaking tour with Turning Point USA. The 19-year-old conservative commentator started his 10-campus tour at the University of Arkansas. The event follows the recent death of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was assassinated on September 10 at Utah Valley University. Hollyhand, a longtime protege of Kirk, is now at the center of a heated public discussion about the future of the conservative movement.
Tour Kickoff Draws Massive Crowds and Immediate Backlash
Hollyhand announced a sold-out event at his first tour stop. He shared a video showing a packed auditorium on social media. “These are the next Charlie Kirks,” he wrote on X, according to a post seen by Reuters.
However, the comment sparked a swift and negative reaction online. Many users criticized the comparison. One person stated that Hollyhand is “not a replacement for Charlie Kirk.”
Another remarked that he is “a child trying to fill the shoes of a giant.” The backlash highlights the challenge of following a prominent figure. It also shows the intense scrutiny on young political voices.
A Longstanding Mentor Relationship With the Late Founder
Hollyhand had a close personal and professional bond with Charlie Kirk. Kirk first appeared on Hollyhand’s YouTube channel when the boy was just eleven years old. Their relationship continued for years, with Kirk acting as a mentor.
In a statement after Kirk’s death, Hollyhand described him as a beacon of hope. He recalled Kirk’s belief in courage and civil discourse. Hollyhand told The Telegraph he spoke with Kirk the morning of his passing.
He emphasized that Kirk was a friend and a crucial source of advice. This long history adds a personal dimension to the current political narrative.
Hollyhand Dismisses Idea of a Direct Replacement
Despite the online discourse, Hollyhand has directly addressed the idea of replacing Kirk. He explicitly stated that no one can fill Kirk’s shoes. “There is no replacement for Charlie Kirk,” he told The Telegraph.
His focus appears to be on continuing the mission of youth engagement. Hollyhand is a freshman at Auburn University studying political science. He has been a prominent conservative voice since launching a website in fifth grade.
His current role includes being a co-chair of the RNC’s Youth Advisory Council. This positions him as a significant figure for the conservative movement’s future, separate from direct comparisons.
The Brilyn Hollyhand campus tour continues across nine other universities. It represents a pivotal test for the next generation of conservative leadership. The movement navigates a profound loss while trying to energize new supporters.
Dropping this nugget your way-
Who is Brilyn Hollyhand?
Brilyn Hollyhand is a 19-year-old conservative commentator and activist. He is a freshman at Auburn University and the co-chair of the RNC’s Youth Advisory Council. He founded a conservative website as a child and has a large social media following.
What is the connection between Hollyhand and Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was a longtime mentor and friend to Brilyn Hollyhand. Kirk first appeared on Hollyhand’s channel when he was 11 years old. They maintained a close relationship until Kirk’s death.
How did people react to Hollyhand’s “next Charlie Kirks” comment?
The reaction on social media was largely critical. Many users argued that Hollyhand is not a replacement for Kirk. They expressed that it is too soon for such comparisons.
What did Hollyhand say about replacing Charlie Kirk?
Hollyhand has stated clearly that no one can replace Charlie Kirk. He told The Telegraph that there is no replacement and nobody can fill his shoes. His focus is on continuing the work, not on being a direct successor.
How many stops are on Brilyn Hollyhand’s campus tour?
The tour is planned for 10 university campuses across the country. It began at the University of Arkansas with a reported sold-out event. The remaining stops have not been fully detailed publicly.
Trusted Sources
The Telegraph, Reuters
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