Turning Point USA

Candace Owens, a former Turning Point USA communications director who had an acrimonious departure from the organization, became the most prominent promoter of conspiracy theories surrounding Kirk's assassination. Owens alleged that insiders within TPUSA were involved in the killing, citing no evidence. She promoted theories on her podcast and social media, reaching millions of followers. In December 2025, Owens met with Erika Kirk in what was described as an attempt at reconciliation. The FBI found no evidence supporting any of Owens's conspiracy claims.

Charlie Kirk was the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, one of the largest and most influential conservative youth organizations in America. On September 10, 2025, Kirk was shot and killed while delivering a speech at an outdoor amphitheater at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31 years old. Kirk had built TPUSA from a small operation into a political powerhouse with chapters on over 3,500 college campuses and close ties to former President Donald Trump. His assassination sent shockwaves through American politics and triggered a wave of conspiracy theories, media crackdowns, and political retaliation.

Erika Kirk is the widow of Charlie Kirk. Following her husband's assassination, she assumed the role of CEO of Turning Point USA, vowing to continue his mission. Her grace under pressure drew bipartisan praise, including from actor Rob Reiner, who publicly commended her call for unity. She met with Candace Owens in December 2025 in an apparent effort to address the conspiracy theories Owens had been promoting about TPUSA insiders.

Turning Point USA

organization

Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is a conservative nonprofit organization founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012. It became one of the largest conservative youth organizations in the United States with chapters on over 3,500 college campuses. After Kirk's assassination, his widow Erika Kirk assumed the role of CEO. The organization was thrust into the center of conspiracy theories promoted by former employee Candace Owens, who alleged insiders were involved in the killing — claims unsupported by any evidence.

Following the Kirk assassination, a scheduled TPUSA event at UC Berkeley led to violent clashes between TPUSA supporters and counter-protesters. The event became a flashpoint as emotions ran high in the aftermath of the assassination. Multiple arrests were made and several people were injured.