University of Washington – Postponement of Turning Point USA Event Featuring “Detransition Activist”

Summary

On May 13, 2026, Turning Point USA postponed a planned University of Washington event featuring detransition activist Chloe Cole after organizers cited safety concerns and alleged threats of violence. The event, part of Turning Point USA’s “Pick Up the Mic” series, was scheduled to feature Cole speaking on campus. The postponement occurred days after the fatal stabbing of a University of Washington student at an off campus housing complex near the university.

The student, identified by multiple outlets as transgender, was found fatally stabbed on May 10, 2026, at Nordheim Court, an apartment complex serving university students. Seattle police opened a homicide investigation. University officials said there was no known connection between the student’s death and the planned Turning Point USA event, but the timing of the killing prompted discussion among students and campus groups about whether the event should proceed.

In the days before the scheduled appearance, student groups called for the event to be canceled. University of Washington officials communicated with Turning Point USA and the student organization hosting the event regarding concerns about the timing of the event following the student’s death. On May 13, Turning Point USA announced that the event would be postponed, stating that threats had been made against the event and organizers. Cole said she canceled her appearance because of safety concerns related to what she described as threats from activist groups.

Following the postponement, Cole said she intended to return to the University of Washington for a future appearance. Turning Point USA said it planned to reschedule the event and stated that it remained committed to holding campus events. The University of Washington stated that the postponement decision was made by Turning Point USA and that the homicide investigation remained ongoing.