Goebel Farms in Evansville, Indiana, sparked controversy with a corn maze celebrating Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. This decision faced community backlash, leading the farm to defend its choice.

Goebel Farms explained to KWTX that Kirk was honored due to his dedication to free speech. Kirk was tragically shot during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Following the announcement of the corn maze’s theme, the farm received negative reviews on Google and subsequently removed its listing after marking the business “permanently closed,” as noted in a Reddit thread related to the backlash.

“Our intention was not to suggest that everyone should share Charlie’s beliefs or agree with every statement he made,” said Goebel Farms in a statement to 14News. “We recognize that he was a polarizing public figure and that many people strongly disagreed with his views and methods. Charlie was killed while publicly expressing and debating his convictions. In a country founded on the principles of free speech, no person should lose his or her life for participating in political discussion.”

The farm emphasized that its aim was to foster civil discourse rather than increase division. It stated that even in disagreements, dialogue must continue to prevent viewing others as adversaries.

Goebel Farms identified itself as a family enterprise, not a political body, expressing hope for Americans to engage openly without hatred or violence. The Corn Maze was set as a reminder of the importance of respectful discourse.

Tyler Robinson, aged 23, faces charges for the assassination of Charlie Kirk, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice, among others. A Utah judge determined that sufficient evidence existed for the trial to proceed.

Fox News Digital sought comments from TPUSA regarding the incident. Reporter Kristine Parks provided coverage of this event.