Unsubstantiated conspiracies surrounding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk have filled social media since his death occurred a little over three months ago.
His widow, Erika Kirk, has very sternly denounced many of the theories, calling their effects on society a “mind virus.” She also had simple yet clear words for the people spreading such claims: “Stop. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. Stop.” That was her response to CBS News’ Bari Weiss when asked what she had to say to political commentator and podcaster Candace Owens.
Since Charlie Kirk’s death, Owens has used her platform to speculate what happened on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University when he was shot in front of thousands.
On Sept. 11, the alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was taken into custody for Kirk’s assassination. The state of Utah is charging him with seven felony charges and one class A misdemeanor, and seeking the death penalty in the case.
Owens has shared with her millions of users that she doesn’t buy the idea that Robinson acted alone. She’s speculated that employees of Turning Point USA, the nonprofit that Charlie Kirk founded, could have been involved in betraying him. She has also touted claims surrounding the murder involving Israel, Egypt and France. And she has also criticized people who trust that the FBI will be truthful in its investigation of the assassination — none of which has been substantiated.
Since Erika Kirk’s recent sit-down interview with Fox News and CBS News debunking such conspiracies, Owens has used her platform to consistently criticize her.
The indirect back-and-forth between the two of them over the last week resulted in a post by Erika Kirk on Sunday, with the news the two public figures had decided to meet.
“Candace Owens and I are meeting for a private, in-person discussion on Monday, December 15. @RealCandaceO and I have agreed that public discussions, livestreams, and tweets are on hold until after this meeting. I look forward to a productive conversation. Thank you," Kirk posted on X.
Owens reposted and added that she was “very much looking forward to this discussion.”
Steve Krakauer, executive producer of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” told NewsNation that the two meetings were a “fascinating development” and “very notable.”
Because it is a private discussion, Krakauer said the public won’t know verbatim what occurs, but noted that both perspectives would likely be shared in the coming days and weeks.
“I love the idea of people meeting in person,” he added. “I think we need more of that, even with people who you vehemently disagree with, even with people you find their views repugnant. I think that if we’re going to get anywhere in this society, this is the sort of conversation that needs to happen. One-on-one, face-to-face, in real life and not online, not with a bunch of cameras around, not over Zoom. I love that idea, and I hope something good comes with it.”