In American right-wing circles, including within the MAGA movement (“Let’s Restore America to its former Greatness”), a split has emerged over conspiracy theories surrounding the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk. A development was reported on July 12.
The unity of the right, which was observed immediately after Kirk’s death on September 10, 2025, at a rally at the University of Utah, has been replaced by division over the past ten months. At a preliminary hearing this week in Provo City Court, Utah, the rift became particularly noticeable as conspiracy theorists, including podcasters who believe Kirk was eliminated by the “deep state,” took seats inside and outside the auditorium.
Some attendees, inspired primarily by far-right political commentator Candice Owens, have unreasonably questioned whether Kirk’s family is disclosing all they know about his death. Others promoted theories that Kirk was murdered by an exploding microphone rather than a rifle shot and attempted to refute key surveillance footage from Utah Valley University campus where the activist was fatally shot in the throat.
Kirk Eric’s widow, the mother of his two children, faced the defendant, 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, for the first time in court. The family asserts there is “irrefutable evidence” against him.
She was supported by Donald Trump Jr. and his wife Bettina, who attended the early hearings. They stated that they “stand by” her and condemned conspiracy theorists who have “irresponsibly filled” social networks with “speculation and false narratives.”
Representatives of Turning Point USA, a conservative political organization founded by Charlie Kirk and now headed by Kirk Eric’s widow, have been publishing materials in support of the charges for the past week.
Podcaster Benny Johnson stated: “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,” referring to footage where, according to the prosecution, Robinson can be seen firing a fatal shot.
Kirk died on September 10 after an assassination attempt during a speech at the University of Utah. Tyler Robinson was charged with murder and appeared in court for the first time via video link on September 17. The farewell ceremony for Kirk took place on September 21 at State Farm in Arizona.
On October 15, U.S. President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal, presenting it to Kirk Eric’s widow himself.
More than half of Americans expect a new civil war to start soon.
