Candace Owens Opens Up About Profound Friendship with Charlie Kirk and Aftermath of His Tragic Death
The political world was shaken in September 2025 when conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. Among those most deeply affected was his close friend and colleague Candace Owens, who has now spoken extensively about their bond, her grief, and the complicated events that unfolded after his death.
A Friendship Forged in Political Fire
Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk first connected in 2017 at a political conference in Florida, marking the beginning of what would become an inseparable professional and personal relationship. Owens recalls that Kirk hired her immediately, recognizing her potential as both were launching their political careers.
"Charlie really was an amazing person," Owens shared in a September 2025 video tribute. "We were really close and he was my best friend and my brother. I will never unsee the footage of what I saw, the violence of it."
Years of Constant Companionship
From 2017 to 2019, Owens served as communications director for Turning Point USA, the conservative student organization Kirk helped found. During those formative years, the two traveled almost nonstop together, building their careers side by side.
"For two years straight, Charlie and I flew around the world together on very little sleep," Owens revealed. "We took hundreds of flights together. When you're in that capacity with someone for two years straight just traveling non-stop, you really get to know them."
Kirk himself spoke warmly about their friendship shortly before his death, telling an audience in August 2025: "I don't agree with everything Candace says, but I don't stop being friends with people just because people morally blackmail me."
The Tragic Event That Changed Everything
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was shot while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old conservative firebrand died from his injuries, sending shockwaves through political circles. Video of the incident quickly spread online, leaving many horrified.
For Owens, the loss remains profoundly unsettling. "The loss still feels unreal," she confessed, describing the moment as something she can never forget.
Post-Death Tensions and Public Drama
As Owens mourned her close friend, tensions began to surface between her and Kirk's wife, Erika Kirk. These private strains turned into public drama when Owens shared a leaked audio recording allegedly featuring Erika, recorded approximately two weeks after Kirk's death.
In the audio, Erika appeared to praise Turning Point USA staff during a phone call. According to Us Weekly, a spokesperson for Owens confirmed the recording was "real and authenticated." The publication noted they had reached out to both Erika Kirk and Turning Point USA for comment.
Questions About Grief and Timing
The release of the audio recording sparked strong reactions and raised difficult questions about grief, timing, and trust. Owens questioned the arrest of Tyler Robinson, who was taken into custody in connection with Kirk's death, and later expressed concerns about Erika's grieving process.
"That's moving pretty quickly to the acceptance phase now," Owens commented about Erika. "We know everybody grieves differently."
Erika Kirk had previously asked Owens to stop sharing theories about the case. The two women met in December 2025 and described their conversation as productive, but more than a month later, Owens released the controversial audio recording.
A Legacy of Friendship Amidst Tragedy
The story of Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk represents more than just political partnership—it illustrates how deep personal bonds can form in high-pressure environments, and how tragedy can both strengthen and strain those connections. Their friendship, built through countless flights and shared experiences, endured until Kirk's sudden death, leaving Owens to navigate both personal loss and public controversy in its aftermath.
As the investigation into Kirk's death continues and relationships among those closest to him evolve, the memory of their friendship serves as a poignant reminder of how personal connections shape public figures and how grief manifests differently for everyone involved.
