In a move that has deepened fractures within the American conservative movement, commentator Candace Owens has publicly refused to retract her controversial theory suggesting Israeli involvement in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. This comes after a marathon four-and-a-half-hour meeting with Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, which Owens detailed in her latest podcast episode.
A Meeting That Failed to Convince
Owens revealed that her lengthy conversation with Erika Kirk and other staff from Turning Point USA—the conservative organization co-founded by Charlie Kirk where Owens was once employed—did nothing to alleviate her suspicions. Despite Erika Kirk's direct efforts to quell speculation, arriving with phone records and arranging access to legal counsel on the investigation, Owens remained unmoved.
She insisted she does not believe the sole individual charged, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, acted alone. Owens went further, strongly implying that Israel, along with France and Egypt, may have played a role in the September 10 killing. These claims, which Israeli officials have denied and critics label as antisemitic, form the core of her ongoing campaign.
Divisions and Disputed Details
The fallout from Owens' allegations has created sharp divisions among high-profile MAGA-aligned figures. While voices like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and comedian Dave Smith have shown varying degrees of support, others like Ben Shapiro and Tim Pool have condemned her actions. Nick Fuentes has also criticized Owens, calling her a narcissist.
Authorities state that Robinson, who has not yet entered a plea, shot Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred." Bullet casings at the scene were inscribed with internet memes. Owens, however, dismisses the official evidence, accusing state and federal law enforcement of a cover-up and claiming Kirk was betrayed by those close to him.
Erika Kirk has expressed particular frustration over Owens' targeting of Turning Point USA employees. In a brief statement on X, she called their meeting "a very productive conversation" but is now focusing on the upcoming AmericaFest event. The meeting's goal to halt the attacks appears to have failed. Shortly after a town hall where Erika Kirk spoke positively of Israel, Owens opened her podcast with a sarcastic Shabbat greeting and played the Jewish folk song "Hava Nagila."
Outlandish Claims and Audience Reaction
One of Owens' most disputed assertions is that Erika Kirk was followed for years by Egyptian airplanes. Kirk has publicly refuted this, offering personal flight records that contradict the timeline. Owens responded by suggesting that public ridicule of the theory only proves its truth, promising more evidence.
Media personality Megyn Kelly, who helped facilitate the meeting, expressed confidence that Turning Point staff had no involvement. The podcast episode left many of Owens' own viewers disappointed. Comments reflected a sense of deflation, with one viewer writing, "How disappointing. We’ll never know the truth. She said so much and absolutely nothing at the same time."
Owens' insistence on promoting these unsubstantiated narratives ensures the controversy surrounding Charlie Kirk's tragic death will continue to simmer, overshadowing the judicial process and creating lasting rifts on the right.
