San Antonio law enforcement officials took Jacob Wenske, a 26-year-old local resident, into custody in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 29. The arrest followed an investigation into what authorities described as a credible threat of mass violence targeting a major conservative gathering scheduled to take place in the city next week. Wenske is currently being held on a $120,000 bond and faces two felony counts of making a terroristic threat causing public fear, charges that carry substantial prison sentences under Texas law, as reported by KSAT.
"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." — Turning Point USA, Organizational Statement
The investigation into Wenske began in April after a local newspaper published a Facebook post promoting Turning Point USA’s upcoming Women’s Leadership Summit. In the comment section of that post, Wenske allegedly wrote, “I know exactly where to bomb.” This initial comment was followed by another chilling post in the same thread: “I can’t wait to be the valet for her escort.” Investigators quickly flagged this seemingly cryptic remark. Court records indicate that Wenske had previously been employed by a parking management company that provided valet services to hotels and special events. Law enforcement officials determined that the valet reference was not a casual remark but suggested prior knowledge of the event venue, potential surveillance of entry points, and an intent consistent with planning a mass-casualty attack.
Further investigation uncovered an email sent in January 2026 from an account registered to Wenske. The message explicitly stated: “Death to Erika Kirk and every single speaker there!! America will live on without those scum on this earth. Every Christian nationalist shall perish in the bombing that will take place at every single Turning Point rally and event.”
The primary target of these threats, Erika Kirk, assumed the role of CEO for Turning Point USA after her husband, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot at a Turning Point event in September 2025 at Utah Valley University. Erika Kirk is slated to be a featured speaker at the Women’s Leadership Summit. This three-day event is scheduled to run from June 5 through June 7 at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, situated on the city’s famous River Walk, a highly frequented tourist destination. The summit is expected to attract more than 2,500 attendees.
Following Wenske’s arrest, Turning Point USA and local law enforcement moved to enhance security measures for the upcoming summit. Event security officials confirmed an increase in uniformed officers and additional security personnel dedicated to protecting the event and its participants. Turning Point USA issued a statement acknowledging the swift action of both local police and federal law enforcement in neutralizing the threat.
The organization’s statement read: “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 further emphasized, “The safety of our attendees, speakers, and staff is always our top priority. All TPUSA events include enhanced, multi-layered security measures that are enforced by both private security and local police.” Turning Point USA affirmed that the arrest would not deter their plans, declaring, “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!”
Erika Kirk herself has reportedly faced a series of threats since taking over leadership of the organization, having previously withdrawn from another event due to concerns over violence. Wenske’s court-appointed attorney, Ninfa Carrillo, did not respond to requests for comment as of Thursday evening.
This arrest highlights a recurring pattern of threats directed at Turning Point USA events and personnel. In a separate incident in 2023, another San Antonio man received a five-year federal prison sentence for threatening a mass attack at a Turning Point USA Student Action Summit held in Florida. Despite the recent threat and arrest, the Women’s Leadership Summit is proceeding as planned, with Wenske remaining in the Bexar County jail as his case moves through the legal system.
