A crowd of approximately 500 people came to McNeese Tuesday to hear Christian apologist Frank Turek talk about apologetics and pay tribute to his friend and mentee, slain media personality Charlie Kirk. 

McNeese students, faculty and alumni along with community members gathered for the event, hosted by the McNeese BCM, at the New Ranch more than an hour before the event was set to kick off. 

The topic of discussion was, “If God, Why Evil? A Q&A in Honor of My Friend Charlie Kirk”. Turek delivered arguments in favor of Christianity, spoke about his criticisms of atheism, and gave his thoughts on the death of his friend. After the talk, audience members lined up at the microphone stand to offer their condolences to Turek and ask him questions about everything from politics to theology. 

Blake Gilbert, a McNeese State alum from the class of 2018 and a former member of the McNeese marching band, attended the event with some friends. 

“After witnessing his own dear friend’s assassination, Dr. Turek was able to stand at the podium and give a presentation on how evil acts do not disprove God’s existence, but only solidify the argument for God. A very impactful night,” Gilbert said. 

McNeese police Chief William Scheufens said the Parra Ballroom was set up with 350 chairs, which quickly filled. Scheufens said he had to turn away roughly 150-200 people at the door. The BCM opened its doors to the public so they could watch a live stream of the event.  

Tiffani Crawford, a freshman mass communication major and SGA representative for the rodeo team, was one who couldn’t get into the event and watched the live stream at the BCM. 

“I could not believe the turnout,” Crawford said. “I had never been to a university event where seating filled up so fast. Dr. Turek influenced the way I view hard times. I now know unexpected circumstances will create learning opportunities to grow as a person. The murder of Charlie Kirk is dreadful, but look at how many lives have been led to Christ since. God can use the bad for good.” 

BCM officials had already planned for the event but changed the topic after the Sept. 10 death of Kirk. Kirk was shot as he addressed a crowd at an event at Utah Valley University. Because of those circumstances, security was tighter this year than when Turek spoke at a BCM event last year.

Barricades were in place and sections of parking lots blocked off early Tuesday as police prepared for the crowd. Sheufens said he communicated rules and expectations to those lined up to come in, such as bag restrictions and information about metal detectors. Security at the event was a joint effort between the McNeese State University Police Department, Lake Charles Police Department, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and Turek’s private security detail. 

“I commend the general public on their observations and understanding of the need to increase security,” Scheufens said. “Current events dictate how we respond on the security side of things.” 

Scheufens said he was grateful for the teamwork between the different agencies and that the McNeese police department was very pleased with how the event went.