Charlie Kirk death mystery: Candace Owens' claims send internet into frenzy—Find out why

Candace Owens has alleged that the tragic death of 31-year-old Charlie Kirk—who was assassinated on September 10, 2025, when he was addressing the crowd at Turning Point USA (TPUSA) at Utah Valley University—involves a cover-up by the organization.

Owens shared an X post, where she claimed to have finally gathered all the pieces of what she called proof that he (Charlie) was betrayed by Turning Point USA and the people closest to him.

As soon as the post surfaced online, it sent the internet into a frenzy, bringing Erika Kirk, who is now heading TPUSA as its CEO, into the controversy.

Owens claimed in her post that TPUSA hides key details, misleads donors, and promotes a narrative that protects the institution (TPUSA), rather than Charlie Kirk’s legacy.

She wrote, “I received information last night that put pieces together for me. I now can say with full confidence that I believe Charlie Kirk was betrayed by the leadership of Turning Point USA and some of the very people who eulogized him on stage.”

Owens added further, while alleging that TPUSA’s leadership acted against Charlie’s interests both before and after he was killed, “And I am making a personal plea to every well-meaning person who donated to this Godforsaken organization to request a refund. You were lied to. And leadership knew.”

Netizens are now questioning whether Owens's allegations point to a financial agenda.

A major shift in the controversy came when Owen’s comments appeared to target Erika Kirk straightforwardly, sparking intense online reactions.

One comment read, "Candace Owens is seeming like she is the one who lost a husband…It’s weird and disrespectful to both Erika and her own husband imo.”

Others defended Erika, saying, “Or maybe Erika sees right through Candace’s baseless conspiracy mongering and has zero interest in dignifying it with a response.”

Another user added, “Half a brain? Yours must be on an extended vacation. Erika was unanimously elected CEO and Chair of the Board on September 18 by TPUSA’s execs, honoring Charlie’s own wishes for her to lead. If they thought she was unfit, why the full-throated vote? What’s your excuse for peddling paranoia?”

Although TPUSA has not issued any statement on the allegations made by Candace Owens, her X post has been widely circulated online, which has so far garnered over 11 million views.

Erika’s early life & education

Erika Frantzve was born in November 1988 in Arizona and was of an ambitious and independent nature.

She did her bachelor’s in political science and international relations and then earned a master’s degree in jurisprudence in 2017. She went on to pursue a doctorate in Christian Leadership and completed it in 2022 at Liberty University.

Erika married Charlie Kirk on May 8, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona. They had two daughters and built a close family bond.

Erika Kirk was appointed Turning Point USA (TPUSA) CEO after her husband, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.