Charlie Kirk’s assassination, one year later: How conspiracy theories have evolved
A photo of Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, stands at his vigil on Sept. 11, 2025, in Orem, Utah. Photo by The Associated Press
PolitiFact
It’s been one year since Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.
Misinformation swelled almost immediately after the 31-year-old’s assassination on Sept. 10, 2025, evolving from chaotic breaking news rumors into complex, unfounded narratives — many pushed by people who share Kirk’s political beliefs.
Social media users and media personalities initially spread false claims about the shooting being staged and the shooter’s identity. As a preliminary hearing for the accused shooter started this summer, more elaborate conspiracy theories gained traction.
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