Erika Kirk's first speech since husband's assassination sparks massive TPUSA chapter surge nationwide

Turning Point USA leaders announced the organization received 18,000 new chapter requests after founder Charlie Kirk's wife, Erika, addressed the nation for the first time since her husband's assassination.

Republican Minnesota state Rep. Elliott Engen shared a screenshot Saturday of a conversation with a TPUSA leader, where they said they had received 18,000 requests to start chapters at colleges and high schools.

Prior to Erika's speech, TPUSA reported having 9,000 college chapters and 1,100 high school chapters.

"This is the Turning Point" the TPUSA leader wrote in the text exchange.

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The new chapter requests come after Kirk was assassinated Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.

The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, was turned in by his father Friday and is facing aggravated murder charges.

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In a viral live stream from Kirk's office Friday, Erika said her husband's work and message - centered on faith, patriotism and moral conviction - will not die. 

She said his mission will become "stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever," encouraging young people to join or create Turning Point USA chapters if there is not one in their area.

"He wants you to make a difference, and you can," Erika said. "The movement is not going anywhere, and it will only grow stronger when you join it."

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In an Instagram post sharing photos of her husband lying in his casket, she added, "they have no idea what they just ignited within this wife."

"If they thought my husband's mission was big now..you have no idea," she wrote. "You. All of you. Will never. Ever. Forget my husband @charliekirk1776 I'll make sure of it."

Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.