In American right-wing circles, including the MAGA movement (“Let’s Restore America to its former Greatness”), a deepening schism has emerged over conspiracy theories surrounding the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk died on September 10 at a rally held at the University of Utah. In the immediate aftermath, the right wing exhibited a sense of unity, but this has since been replaced by significant divisions. This week’s preliminary hearing in Provo City Court highlighted the split as conspiracy theorists occupied seats both inside and outside the courtroom. Some podcasters allege Kirk was eliminated by the “deep state,” while others promote theories that he died from an exploding microphone rather than a rifle shot. They also attempted to refute key surveillance footage from Utah Valley University, where Kirk was fatally shot in the throat.
Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, faced defendant Tyler Robinson for the first time in court. She asserts there is “irrefutable evidence” against him. Donald Trump Jr. and his wife Bettina attended early hearings and publicly stated they “stand by” Erica Kirk while condemning conspiracy theorists who “irresponsibly filled” social media with “speculation and false narratives.”
Turning Point USA, a conservative political organization founded by Charlie Kirk and now led by his widow, has been circulating materials in support of the charges for the past week. Podcaster Benny Johnson referenced a video showing Robinson firing the fatal shot, declaring: “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.”
On October 15, US President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal, which his widow received from the American leader.
