BLOOMINGTON, Ind — Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson took the stage at Indiana University Tuesday night , headlining a Turning Point USA event that drew thousands of supporters and a handful of protesters.

Carlson appeared in place of the group’s founder, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during a similar event on a Utah college campus last month.

Outside the IU Auditorium, many gathered ahead of the event, some eager to hear Carlson speak, others frustrated that the university welcomed him.

“Definitely super excited for Tucker Carlson,” said Ava Allen, who traveled from northwest Indiana. “He’s been in the game a long time... I’ve been following him a while too.”

Nearby, Bloomington resident Erin Halsey said she was disappointed the university hosted the event

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