The assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at a university event in Utah has sparked numerous conspiracy theories, particularly regarding a man seen behind Kirk in a video just before the fatal shot.
Kirk, 31, was shot dead during a debate at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, while surrounded by 3,000 attendees.
Following the shooting, video footage surfaced showing a man appearing to make hand signals behind Kirk moments before the sniper opened fire.
Some viewers immediately connected the man to President Donald Trump’s security team, given the eerie resemblance to one of the agents who had recently protected the president.
"What was up with Charlie's Security giving hand signals before Charlie was murdered," one user said, while another added: “One of the guys making hand signals seconds before the shot looks awfully familiar.”
However, a fellow social media user cleared up the confusion, revealing that the man is Kirk’s personal security guard, not a Secret Service agent, and had been with Kirk at numerous other events.
They explained: “That is Charlie Kirks long time bodyguard. Anyone who has watched Charlies debates has noticed him at every event. I believe he is competely innocent and not signaling anything."
The FBI has made significant progress in the investigation into Kirk’s death. Authorities initially released a picture and description of the suspect, identified as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, before revealing he had been captured.
Trump suggested that the suspect’s father drove him to a police station and handed him over, saying: “I think the father drove him to the police station.”
The president added that the suspect was recognized by those close to him. However, he warned that the information was still "subject to be corrected" and based on what he had "heard", indicating that further details would be released later.
Trump, speaking on Fox News, expressed his hope for justice, stating, "I hope he's gonna be found guilty, I would imagine, and I hope he gets the death penalty for what he did."
Kirk's assassination is seen as a major blow to the conservative movement, where he was a prominent figure. Known for his close ties to the President, Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA and had millions of followers on social media.
His death has drawn significant attention across the nation, and Trump has called it a “dark moment for America".
“Charlie inspired millions, and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,” he shared. “He fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people. He's a martyr for truth and freedom, and there's never been anyone who was so respected by youth.”
The 79-year-old confirmed that Kirk’s body was flown back to his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and Kirk’s close friend. Trump also expressed his intention to attend Kirk’s funeral, though no date has been set.