The conservative political world was shaken in September 2025 when prominent activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. What followed has become one of the most controversial and confusing chapters in recent political history, driven by his former colleague Candace Owens' increasingly explosive claims.
The Rise and Fracture of a Conservative Partnership
Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk rose to prominence together throughout the 2010s, becoming familiar faces in conservative circles through their work with Turning Point USA. They frequently appeared on the same stages, traveled together for events, and were widely perceived as a powerful duo within the movement.
Their close partnership began showing cracks between 2023 and 2024, according to sources close to both figures. Reports indicate that Kirk had grown concerned that Owens was embracing increasingly extreme ideas and conspiracy theories, creating distance between the once-close collaborators.
The Tragic Event and Subsequent Allegations
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in Utah. Police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the shooting, but this official account would soon be challenged.
Within days of the tragedy, Candace Owens began posting lengthy videos questioning the official narrative. By mid-September 2025, she was making increasingly dramatic claims despite reports indicating she and Kirk had already ceased working closely together months before his death.
Her allegations quickly expanded to include:
- Claims about French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron financing assassination attempts
- References to "assassination squads" and foreign soldiers
- Allegations about Egyptian planes and personnel in Utah before the shooting
- Questions about Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, including unsubstantiated rumors about financial transactions
Fact-Checking and Official Responses
Mainstream news organizations and independent fact-checkers have uniformly stated that Owens has provided no verifiable evidence to support her claims. French officials specifically denied her allegations about Emmanuel Macron and foreign forces, labeling them completely false.
Despite the lack of evidence, Owens continued amplifying her theories throughout late 2025. In November 2025, she temporarily took her show off the air, citing fears for her personal safety while promising to reveal more information.
The controversy continues as Owens persists in making new claims about foreign leaders, secret squads, and the circumstances surrounding Kirk's death. Officials and news outlets maintain that her allegations remain unverified, creating a loud and ongoing debate within conservative media circles.
The situation highlights how unsubstantiated claims can gain traction in today's media landscape, even when contradicted by official investigations and fact-checking organizations. As the controversy persists, the conservative movement grapples with the aftermath of losing one of its prominent voices and the subsequent allegations that have divided opinion among their followers.
