Charlie Kirk’s assassination has stunned the American right. While Israeli leaders mourn the loss of a steadfast ally, conspiracy theories swirl. Among them: claims that Israel itself was behind the murder.
The killing of Charlie Kirk, the charismatic 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, sent shockwaves through the United States and Israel alike. A shot felled him at Utah Valley University on September 10. Governor Spencer Cox called it “a political assassination.” Israeli leaders across party lines described Kirk as a “lion-hearted friend of Israel.”
Yet within hours, the online rumor mill on the extreme left and right, the opposing camps united only byt a shared hatred of Israel, pivoted toward a darker story: that this assassination had all the hallmark signs of an intelligence operation and that Israel, dissatisfied with Kirk’s recent “cooling,” may had had a motive to turn on its onetime champion. Should we really be surprised?
The Conspiratorial Turn
In far-right forums, and among critics who already suspect Israeli intelligence of global manipulation, Kirk’s death has been linked to Israel in three main ways:
- Programming choices at TPUSA. Kirk gave a platform to critics like Dave Smith and Tucker Carlson at the Turning Point conference, prompting charges that he was drifting from the unwavering pro-Israel line of his earlier years.
- His conversation with Megyn Kelly. In a long exchange, Kirk defended Israel but bristled at what he called purity tests. He complained that being called “anti-Semitic” for minor deviations was “repulsive” and warned that such treatment pushes supporters away. He also framed Israel more in terms of Christian sacred geography—“the Holy Land”—than in the political language he had used before.
- Conspiratorial associations. Both Kelly and Kirk referenced speculation about Jeffrey Epstein possibly being linked to Mossad. Although neither endorsed the theory as fact, the mention feda pre-existing web of suspicion tying Israel to scandals.
Together, these elements have been woven into an unsubstantiated claim that Israel itself silenced Kirk.
What Kirk and Kelly Actually Said
Kelly began by affirming her record of support:
“You and I are both supporters of Israel and have defended Israel since the beginning of this conflict… spoken out about the anti-Semitism that has erupted on these college campuses many, many times.” (Kelly, 0:00–0:10)
But she quickly turned to frustration with how criticism is policed:
“Some in the pro-Israel camp are so kneejerk about calling you anti-Semitic… that it undermines their own cause. I find it very irritating… some of us have earned the right to have some credibility on the subject of Israel.” (Kelly, 0:53–1:18)
Kirk agreed emphatically about his record:
“I have a bulletproof resume showing my defense of Israel both on campus, on social media… I believe in the scriptural land rights given to Israel. I believe in fulfillment of prophecy… My life was changed in Israel… I want them to win.” (Kirk, 2:54–3:27)
Yet he then added:
“The behavior by a lot, both privately and publicly, are pushing people like you and me away. Not like we’re gonna be pro-Hamas… but honestly, the way you are treating me is so repulsive. I have text messages, Megyn, calling me an anti-Semite. I am learning biblical Hebrew and writing a book on the Shabbat. I visit Israel and fight for it. And still, my moral character is now being put into question.” (Kirk, 3:28–5:04)
Kelly brought up the flashpoint:
“They were coming after you after a Turning Point [event]… that you had Dave Smith there. Dave Smith is allowed to criticize Israel. You had both sides.” (Kelly, 4:39–4:44)
Kirk noted the backlash:
“I love Israel. I want Israel to win. But my moral character is now being put into question… it was trending on Twitter… thousands of tweets and text messages.” (Kirk, 4:52–5:15)
Kelly pressed further, adding her stark assessment of Israel’s communications failure:
“Israel… has made itself the villain of the world in letting this thing go on so long. They have lost support amongst their dearest friends… and even the entire Democrat party here in the United States has turned against them… Time to wrap it up. And that’s how I feel, too.” (Kelly, 9:42–10:14)
Kirk underscored his American-first identity:
“If I have any deviation of a purity test… such as hosting Dave Smith or Tucker at my event, it is all of a sudden, ‘Oh, Charlie is no longer with us.’ I’m an American.” (Kirk, 12:55–13:26)
And he shifted from political allegiance to sacred imagery:
“I want civilization to win. I want the holy sites protected. I believe in the Holy Land. I love that Jesus walked on water there… I feel the connection to Israel.” (Kirk, 14:09–14:32)
Why Israel Gets Blamed
Back to the assassination. To be clear: there is no evidence that Israel was involved. Law enforcement has not suggested it. Israeli leaders mourned Kirk in public and private. Many Israelis tearfully expression admiration and appreciation for him.
But history shows why conspiracies stick:
- Scapegoating patterns. From the JFK assassination to 9/11, Jews and Israel are often cast as hidden masterminds, regardless of evidence. Sometimes they have been implicated, other times falsely accused. It’s in the air.
- The purity-test dynamic. Kirk’s complaints echoed frustrations that many conservative Christians feel when labeled “anti-Semitic” for nuanced views. Conspiracy peddlers seize on this tension to argue Israel retaliates against wavering allies.
- Epstein associations. References to Mossad—even speculative—feed a reservoir of suspicion that conspiracy entrepreneurs eagerly exploit.
What Supporters Should Know
Israel’s advocates need to understand that these narratives are circulating. They thrive not because Israel is guilty, but because:
- The war has been long, messy, and polarizing. The conservative base of America First is meeting the Left-wing Israel-haters.
- Some supporters of Israel abroad feel alienated when called disloyal for even modest critiques.
- Opportunistic actors use these fissures to turn mourning into blame.
If ignored, such claims can harden into mainstream suspicion. If countered with clarity and empathy, they can be contained. One thing is sure: the accusation will not soon go away. One can only hope that the facts prove decisively otherwise.
Conclusion
Charlie Kirk died as a staunch friend of Israel, not as an enemy. His words this summer reveal both his passion for Israel’s cause and his frustration with how some allies treated him. That complexity has been twisted by conspiracy theorists into a narrative of betrayal and retribution. Every one who criticizes Israel should not be treated as a turncoat. For sure, Charlie was not one of them.
Israel and its supporters should take note: not of the accusations’ truth—they are baseless—but of their spread. Guarding against scapegoating requires both vigilance and humility, ensuring that allies feel respected, not alienated. Kirk himself warned of this dynamic. His murder should not become fuel for those eager to turn Israel from a friend into a phantom villain.
This shows how stupid the far right and the far left is. Maybe it’s not stupidity maybe it’s just willful. Charlie Kirk was a supporter of Jews and Israel and it would make no sense to any Jew or Israel would want harm him. But hey, they blame choose for everything.