Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. He was attending a campus event and participating in a debate. Witnesses saw him collapse after being shot. Despite immediate medical help, Kirk did not survive. Approximately 3,000 people were present at the event when the shooting took place.
After his death, social media exploded with reactions. Some posts falsely claimed that a former Tesla employee, Beth Ayers, called Kirk ‘Hitler’ and added an insult. Made a derogatory comment saying ‘Rest in piss.’ The claim quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), causing outrage online.
Elon Musk addressed the claims and said clearly that Beth Ayers is no longer a Tesla employee. He emphasized that the posts have no link to Tesla. Musk has also shared grief over Kirk’s death, calling the shooting shocking and condemning those celebrating the tragedy.
Many users highlighted that some social media posts appeared to celebrate Kirk’s killing. Musk replied, calling the behavior evil and stating, "They are celebrating cold-blooded murder." He also agreed that everyone should be outraged over a killing motivated by disagreement with someone’s views.
Authorities are focusing on finding the person responsible for the shooting. The FBI has released images of a suspect seen on campus and offered a $100,000 reward for any information. The suspect fired from a rooftop and has not been caught yet.
Charlie Kirk was 31 and one of the two founders of Turning Point USA in 2012. The organization works toward the promotion of conservative values in schools and colleges, focusing on individual freedom, limited government, and free markets.
Such viral social media posts have sparked concerns about online misinformation. Moreover, officials warn that unverified claims like the one linking a Tesla employee to Charlie Kirk’s death can spread quickly and should be treated with caution.
The shooting has triggered nationwide discussions about political violence and online responsibility. Social media platforms are increasingly being scrutinized for their role in spreading harmful content.
The FBI is still investigating and wants any persons who can help identify the shooter to come forward. However, social media users are engaging in discussions about whether it is important to report false info and stand against glorifying violence online.
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