A political and media storm has erupted in both the US and Israel following a surge of conspiracy theories on social media that falsely link Israel to the murder of Charlie Kirk. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejected the claims on Wednesday, denouncing them as a malicious lie.
Kirk, 31, was shot dead on Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Mormon Tyler Robinson and charged him with premeditated murder. Despite clear evidence pointing to Robinson, conspiracy theories began circulating online within hours, alleging that the Mossad or other Israeli actors were behind the murder. According to the Anti-Defamation League, more than 72,000 posts on X (formerly Twitter) repeated the accusation "Israel killed Kirk" within just five days.
Charlie Kirk was a great man. He deserves honor - not lies. pic.twitter.com/NwEN4B2q7w
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 18, 2025
Prominent figures on the far right amplified these claims. Candace Owens alleged that Israel and pro-Israel groups pressured and even tried to blackmail Kirk before his death. Fellow media personality Tucker Carlson claimed Kirk was "horrified by what was happening in Gaza," despite Kirk's outspokenly pro-Israel views. Antisemitic influencer Jackson Hinkle went further, asserting that Kirk rejected Netanyahu's invitation to visit Israel and turned down "hush money," while accusing the prime minister of lying.
In response, Netanyahu released a video in which he cited Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels to illustrate the scale of the falsehood. "Someone concocted a malicious lie that Israel was connected to the terrible murder of Charlie Kirk. It's insane, it's false, it's outrageous," Netanyahu said. He described Kirk as "a once-in-a-century talent who defended freedom and our shared Judeo-Christian civilization."
The prime minister added that Kirk had repeatedly expressed his love for Israel and the Jewish people, including in a letter he sent him months before the killing: "One of my greatest joys as a Christian is fighting for Israel." Netanyahu suggested that the conspiracy theories might be fueled by "obsession" or even "Qatari funding." The video itself triggered another surge of online commentary around the conspiracies.
Law enforcement and Kirk's associates have presented solid evidence contradicting the claims. The indictment against Robinson is based on incriminating text messages found by his transgender partner and his own online confessions. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman published personal correspondence with Kirk to refute Owens' claims of "threats" or "blackmail." Kirk's producer, Andrew Kolvet, also dismissed the rumors, saying Kirk had a positive and friendly relationship with Ackman.
Christian evangelical leaders voiced anger at the spread of such allegations. Kirk's pastor, Rob McCoy, sharply criticized Owens: "At a time of mourning, I would expect you to act like a true friend and not spread gossip or slander."
