Candace Owens concedes no direct proof Israel killed Charlie Kirk in debate with Andrew Wilson

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on September 10, 2025, while addressing students at Utah Valley University. The attack occurred during a Q&A session in which Kirk was responding to questions about transgender mass shooters. According to court filings, the accused shooter, Tyler Robinson, 23, sent a message to his roommate and trans-identifying partner shortly after the shooting: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” Robinson remains the only person formally charged with aggravated murder in connection with the incident. The assassination came nearly seven years after a notable exchange between Kirk and Hasan Piker, a left-leaning political commentator known for his advocacy of Marxist ideology. Their debate took place at the 2018 Politicon convention in Los Angeles. During the discussion, Kirk challenged Piker's adherence to communist principles by asking him to demonstrate his beliefs through action. Kirk posed the question: “Why don’t you give 95% of your money away and go live on a commune?” Piker responded by questioning the feasibility of such a move, noting that even if he gave away a large portion of his income, it would not significantly impact systemic issues. When Kirk pressed further, Piker revealed that his annual salary was approximately $60,000, a figure he described as “a really good salary.” The exchange escalated when Cenk Uygur, Piker’s uncle and former employer at The Young Turks, interrupted to demand Kirk disclose his own earnings. Kirk countered by stating his income was less than Piker’s, suggesting that Uygur could verify the claim himself. The debate highlighted Kirk’s commitment to libertarian values, contrasting sharply with Piker’s progressive views. Since the 2018 encounter, Piker has gained prominence among far-left circles and has received support from figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocaso-Cortez. His influence has expanded, leading to collaborations with Democratic candidates in states like New York and Michigan. Public estimates of Piker’s wealth vary, with Fox Business host Charles Payne placing his net worth at $35 million, although other sources suggest a lower figure. Regardless of the exact number, Piker resides in a $2.7 million home in West Hollywood, a stark contrast to the communal lifestyle he once advocated. In recent years, Piker has expressed controversial opinions, including praise for Chinese leader Mao Zedong and statements implying that the United States “deserved” the 9/11 attacks. These remarks led to his temporary suspension from the streaming platform Twitch in March 2025, marking his fifth such suspension. Additionally, Piker has endorsed policies that critics argue border on incitement, such as advocating for the theft of goods from large corporations, claiming that these entities exploit their own employees. Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Kirk’s assassination has persisted, particularly regarding potential foreign involvement. Candace Owens, a prominent conservative commentator, has theorized that Israel may have played a role in the killing, citing the presence of 12 Israeli-registered cellphones near the scene. However, Owens admitted during a televised debate with Andrew Wilson that she lacks direct evidence to substantiate this claim. The theory has drawn criticism, notably from Kirk’s widow, Erika, who publicly urged Owens to cease spreading unverified narratives. Despite this, Owens continues to promote her theories, asserting that the case involves a larger conspiracy. Law enforcement agencies have not found conclusive evidence of foreign involvement in Kirk’s death. The only individual charged with the crime is Tyler Robinson, whose motives remain unclear. As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on determining the circumstances of Kirk’s assassination and ensuring justice is served.