The recent and tragic death of Charlie Kirk has led to a flurry of theories online. One of the more unusual claims is about a man standing near Kirk during the shooting, who resembles a Secret Service agent known for protecting Donald Trump.

Insight from Trump

In an interview, Donald Trump expressed confidence in the quick apprehension of the suspect, stating, “I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody.” This follows his announcement on Fox News that a person close to the suspect played a crucial role in aiding the authorities. Trump hopes the perpetrator of Kirk’s murder will face the harshest penalty.

This incident hits home for Trump, who has personally endured assassination attempts. In a particularly daring event in July 2024, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old, shot at Trump from a rooftop during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Fortunately, Trump’s life was spared thanks to quick thinking by his Secret Service detail.

Comparisons with Past Events

Social media is buzzing with comparisons between the security footage of Kirk’s fatal event and those of Trump’s past guards. A user on Twitter remarked how familiar the person behind Kirk seemed. Others noted hand gestures similar to those seen on Trump’s ex-guard team. However, this speculation was firmly contradicted by followers who identified the man in question as Kirk’s personal security, an individual who had accompanied him to numerous gatherings.

The heart-wrenching event took place on September 10 at Utah Valley University. It was a debate hosted by Kirk. Eyewitness Justin Hickens, who was close to the scene, recounted to NBC News, “We heard a big loud shot, I saw a bunch of blood come out of Charlie, I saw his body kind of kick back and go limp, and everybody dropped to the ground.”

Weapon With an Agenda?

The aftermath of the shooting led investigators to significant discoveries. They found that the rifle used – a .30 caliber bolt-action hunting rifle – was hidden in a nearby wooded area. What’s particularly striking are the politically charged engravings on the unused ammunition found on the rifle, echoing transgender and antifascist sentiments. While authorities haven’t disclosed the exact messages, it suggests the shooter could have been driven by ideological motives.

The security at Kirk’s event is also under scrutiny, with only six officers on duty. Utah Valley University Chief of Police Jeff Long confirmed that Kirk’s event included private security personnel alongside the police. In a press briefing, Long commented, “You try to get your bases covered, and unfortunately, today, we didn’t. Because of that, we have this tragic incident.”