FBI investigating viral ‘theory’ about moment Charlie Kirk was shot

The FBI has confirmed it’s taking viral conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk’s assassination seriously, including reports of hand gestures allegedly being made just before the MAGA supporter was killed

On 10 September, conservative activist Kirk was fatally shot in the neck during an event in Utah.

According to FBI Director Kash Patel, security agents have been pursuing every possible lead to confirm details related to the campaigner’s death.

In a post shared to Twitter, Patel, 45, wrote that the full weight of America’s law enforcement agencies were ‘actively following the evidence that has emerged’, explaining their efforts were extending beyond ‘initial findings’.

“We are examining every facet of this assassination,” he continued.

Patel confirmed that his agents were ‘meticulously investigating theories and questions’ surrounding the assassination, including the location where 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson is alleged to have taken the shot, its angle, and the bullet impact.

Experts are also looking into how the weapon was transported to the building, which overlooked Utah Valley University, and whether the shooter had accomplices.

Any visitors to the alleged shooter’s residence in the hours and days leading up to 10 September were being probed too.

Online sleuths had previously examined footage, claiming some people at the Prove Me Wrong event were making what appeared to be ‘signals’ just moments before the Turning Point USA founder was shot.

One of these was a man standing near the 31-year-old in a white baseball cap, who CNN Politics named as Kirk’s friend and Christian radio host, Frank Turek.

The outlet said there was no basis to the claims that the bystander was making hand gestures.

Turek’s team has also cleared up he conspiracy theory, writing on Twitter: “The viral accusations against Dr. Frank Turek are categorically false. Dr. Turek was at Utah Valley University as part of Charlie Kirk’s team, standing with him as a close friend and mentor.”

Despite theories being debunked, Patel stated in his post that investigators are still taking these viral comments very seriously and that they continue to be investigated.

“Some details are known today, while others are still being pursued to ensure every possibility is considered,” he continued.

“Our primary focus is to complete this investigation and deliver justice. To protect the integrity of the investigation and subsequent prosecution, we cannot release every piece of information we have to the public right now.”

Patel added that his agency is doing everything to ensure every question surrounding Kirk’s murder is ‘addressed at the appropriate moment’.

“The entire FBI mourns the loss of Charlie Kirk. We will not rest until justice is served, and our investigation into this assassination will continue until every question is answered.”

The update came while President Donald Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and other top-ranking political figures attended Kirk’s funeral in Arizona.

The memorial service, held in a 60,000-seat stadium in Glendale on Sunday (21 September), saw 79-year-old Trump calling the slain activist the ‘greatest evangelist for American liberty’.

His widow, Erika Kirk, 36, asked mourners to ‘forgive’ her spouse’s killer.

As the Director of the FBI, I am committed to ensuring the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination is thorough and exhaustive, pursuing every lead to its conclusion.

The full weight of America’s law enforcement agencies are actively following the evidence that has…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 21, 2025

“My husband, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she began. “That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do.”

“The answer to hate is not hate,” she added. “The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love, love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”

Utah native Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder and witness tampering.

The investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination is still ongoing.