Shockwaves continue to reverberate across the United States and beyond following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. As details emerge about the killing, the subsequent investigation, and the heated political fallout, the story has grown to encompass not only the tragic loss of a prominent figure but also the deepening fissures within the American right and a swirl of international conspiracy theories.
According to Iron County Today, the chaos began moments after Kirk was fatally shot on the university campus. In the immediate aftermath, 71-year-old George Hodgson Zinn of Salt Lake City approached police officers, shouting, "I shot him now shoot me." UVU Detective Michael Dutson noted in charging documents that Zinn repeated this declaration several times as panicked spectators fled the scene. Officers quickly handcuffed Zinn but found no weapon on him. He later admitted to police that he had not fired the shot that killed Kirk, explaining he wanted to "draw attention from the real shooter" and sought to be "a martyr" for the person responsible. Zinn was booked on a single count of obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony, for diverting police resources during the urgent manhunt.
Days later, while Zinn was under guard at Utah Valley Hospital, the case took a darker turn. He informed FBI and State Bureau of Investigation agents that his phone contained child sexual abuse material. Investigators obtained a warrant and discovered more than 20 images of young girls aged 5 to 12, including four explicit images of nude children. According to court documents, Zinn admitted to being sexually aroused by children and described sex acts in messages sent alongside the images. In one exchange, he sent a photo of a girl around five years old, telling contacts online that the children were his daughters and inviting others to abuse them. On September 15, Zinn was charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, all second-degree felonies. He remains in Utah County Jail. Officials have emphasized that Zinn had no role in Kirk’s killing.
The focus of the murder investigation soon shifted to Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old who made his first court appearance remotely on September 16. As reported by multiple outlets, Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder and witness tampering. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Robinson, who appeared in court wearing a vest designed to prevent self-harm, did not enter a plea. Evidence presented by prosecutors includes a note Robinson left for his transgender roommate—who was also his romantic partner—stating he had the "opportunity to take Kirk out." Additional messages revealed Robinson’s intent to keep the murder secret, with one stating, "I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age." Prosecutors allege Robinson used his grandfather’s rifle to carry out the crime and that Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, was targeted specifically because of his "political expression."
The killing has sparked intense debate and speculation, fueled in part by the high-profile nature of Kirk’s activism and the polarized political climate. As reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), the days following the murder saw a surge of conspiracy theories, with some right-wing internet personalities and politicians suggesting—without evidence—that Israel may have been involved. On September 18, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video to X (formerly Twitter) issuing a forceful denial. Quoting Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels to underscore how quickly lies can spread, Netanyahu declared, "Somebody’s fabricated a monstrous big lie: that Israel had something to do with Charlie Kirk’s horrific murder." He emphasized that Kirk "loved Israel" and "loved the Jewish people," even quoting from a letter Kirk had sent him months before his death, in which Kirk described advocating for Israel as one of his "greatest joys as a Christian."
No law enforcement official has suggested Israeli involvement in the assassination. The FBI has charged only Robinson, and text messages included in his indictment suggest he acted alone. Yet the conspiracy theories have taken on a life of their own, amplified by figures such as Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, and white nationalist streamer Nick Fuentes. Fuentes, who has long feuded with Kirk over his perceived insufficiently hardline stance on Israel, posted a video titled "DID ISRAEL KILL CHARLIE KIRK?" that garnered around one million views in 24 hours.
Some of Kirk’s closest allies have also expressed skepticism toward Netanyahu’s denials. Candace Owens, a far-right commentator with a history of antisemitic remarks, suggested on her show that Netanyahu’s response was suspicious, stating, "It’s not a good sign when somebody has to ask you…if you did have anything to do with the assassination. Doesn’t make you a great person, OK." Owens has further claimed that Kirk was privately turning against Israel before his death and was embroiled in disputes with pro-Israel donors. Tucker Carlson, another influential conservative voice, accused Netanyahu of exploiting Kirk’s death for political gain, asserting that Kirk was "resentful" of Netanyahu’s policies, especially regarding Gaza. Carlson recounted a conversation with Kirk about whether to highlight alleged connections between Jeffrey Epstein and Israeli intelligence, claiming Kirk encouraged him to "Go all the way, man. Go all the way."
Other right-wing figures have pushed back against these insinuations. Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU, called those exploiting Kirk’s murder to attack Israel "despicable." Newsweek opinion editor Josh Hammer accused Carlson and Owens of trying "unambiguously to drive a wedge" between Christian and Jewish conservatives. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, referencing his last conversation with Kirk, tweeted that their discussion centered on "the rising, toxic wave of antisemitism on the right." U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee decried the conspiracy theories as "outrageous lies" and shared Netanyahu’s denial video.
Kirk’s complex relationship with Israel had long been a point of discussion within conservative circles. He was scheduled to address the Zionist Organization of America’s gala in November 2025 and was known for his public support of Israel. However, he also encouraged debate about U.S. priorities, stating in a July episode of his show, "If you call everyone an antisemite if they don’t take a puritanical view of the Netanyahu government, then I think that’s bad for everybody." He warned of a coming "earthquake" on the issue among conservatives, noting that younger generations are less supportive of Israel.
The assassination has not only robbed the conservative movement of one of its most prominent young voices but has also exposed deep divisions over Israel, antisemitism, and the future direction of right-wing politics in America. As the investigation continues and the political fallout unfolds, the legacy of Charlie Kirk—and the controversies surrounding his death—remain fiercely contested terrain.
