The controversy surrounding Candace Owens’ independent investigation into the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has deeply divided the right-wing media landscape.
Since Kirk’s death from a sniper shot at Utah Valley University, Owens, a former Turning Point USA employee and close friend of Kirk, has conducted her own probe on her popular podcast, openly disbelieving the official law enforcement narrative that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson acted alone in a politically motivated attack. Owens has uncovered and promoted various unsubstantiated claims, including alleged involvement of Turning Point USA leadership in betraying Kirk, potential roles for foreign entities like Israel, Egypt, and France (even specifying the French Foreign Legion), and hints at U.S. military connections, while questioning the FBI’s transparency and Robinson’s sole culpability. In the podcast realm, Owens has found allies in figures like Milo Yiannopoulos and Tucker Carlson, who have defended her against attacks, and Carrie Prejean Boller, who praised her for “asking questions” that threaten those “lying.”
However, many have sharply criticized her efforts as descending into conspiracy theory mania, arguing that they spread baseless speculation that undermines the ongoing prosecution and fuels unnecessary division. Detractors have accused Owens of exploiting Kirk’s tragic death to monetize her podcast, pointing to the millions of views her episodes on the topic have garnered as evidence of grift. Prominent critics include Laura Loomer, who called her a “grifter,” Tim Pool, who ranked her just behind the assassin in harming Kirk’s legacy, Dave Rubin, Allie Beth Stuckey, and especially voices from Turning Point USA, such as spokesman Andrew Kolvet and Charlie Kirk Show producer Blake Neff, who have publicly rebutted her claims.
Despite Owens’ once-close “brother-sister” friendship with Charlie Kirk, her persistent theorizing has drawn the ire of his widow, Erika Kirk, who now leads TPUSA and has combatted such rumors to protect the family’s grief and the organization’s mission. The two women met privately in person on Monday for a reported four-and-a-half-hour discussion amid escalating public tensions over the best approach to investigating and honoring Kirk’s death. Some observers believe this productive conversation, described positively by both parties, may signal the end of Owens’ personal private investigation into the assassination.
We want to ask you, the reader: do you believe Candace Owens should drop her investigation into Charlie Kirk’s murder? Answer in our poll below and comment your thoughts on Owens’ inquiries into Kirk’s death.
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