Arrest made over alleged bomb threat ahead of Erica Kirk’s Turning Point USA summit in San Antonio

A Turning Point USA event scheduled to take place from June 5 through June 7 at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter was hit with a disturbing disruption. When the conservative political organization announced on Facebook that the event would focus on women’s leadership, someone allegedly made terroristic threats directed at the event and Erika Kirk.

On April 12, the San Antonio Express-News posted on Facebook promoting Turning Point USA’s Women’s Leadership Summit. The post also mentioned that Kirk would personally appear at the event for the organization she took over after her husband was assassinated last year.

According to KENS5, Jacob Wenske, 26, allegedly posted a threatening comment on the post, writing, “I know exactly where to bomb.” Later, Wenske allegedly posted another comment directly targeting Kirk, writing, “I can’t wait to be the valet for her escort.” After further investigation, authorities discovered that Wenske worked for a parking management company as a valet for special events.

Wenske was arrested and charged with the third-degree felony offense of making a terroristic threat. According to The Hill, Turning Point USA released a statement saying, “Turning Point USA takes all threats seriously and we work closely with law enforcement at all levels to respond to and resolve any threats. We are grateful to the San Antonio Police Department and the FBI for their rapid response and arrest of the individual making these threats.” The statement continued by assuring supporters that the summit would still proceed, adding, “We refuse to let threats silence us. We look forward to a successful and inspiring gathering June 5–7 in San Antonio for 2,500+ ladies attending the Women’s Leadership Summit!”

This is not the first threat Kirk has reportedly received since the killing of her husband. At a previous event planned in Athens, where Kirk was expected to appear alongside Vice President J.D. Vance, the new CEO of Turning Point USA claimed she had received threats and ultimately decided not to attend — though the event still went on without her.

This is also not the only Facebook-related arrest tied to the Kirks. Last year, a Tennessee man made an ill-timed comment referencing how Donald Trump had previously told the country that people “should move on,” suggesting he should remain consistent now that gun violence had escalated into political violence. The man was eventually arrested and later sued, arguing that his First Amendment rights had been violated.

Earlier this year, he reportedly received more than $800,000 in a settlement from the sheriff’s office. Wenske’s case appears different, however, because prosecutors allege he made direct threats.

There have been multiple cases involving political threats recently, with this being only the latest example. A woman in Florida was recently arrested after allegedly using her TikTok account to encourage followers to shoot people wearing MAGA hats in public. It remains to be seen whether leaders will start offering meaningful solutions to the growing polarization.