Security Chief Breaks Silence on Kirk Assassination Theories
Brian Harpole, the head of security for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has publicly dismissed conspiracy theories circulating on social media about alleged suspicious hand gestures made by his team moments before Kirk's assassination. Harpole, who led security operations on the fateful day in Utah when Kirk was killed by a single bullet, addressed the claims during an interview with podcaster Shawn Ryan.
'We Don't Use Normal Signals' Says Security Lead
Harpole firmly stated that his team at Utah Valley University was not using hand signals during their work protecting Kirk on September 10. He explained that professional security teams avoid using commonplace gestures that could be misinterpreted. "We would never use 'normal' signals that you see the average person making, such as touching your hat," Harpole clarified, adding that they instead employ signals that "can't be confused with a man scratching his a**."
The security chief emphasised that his team relied exclusively on communication systems rather than visual cues. "If we needed to relay a message, then we'd [say it] on comms. We're notorious for... if we notice something, we're not gonna use a hand signal," he told Ryan. Harpole further noted that if any team member had attempted to use hand signals, it would have caused confusion rather than effective communication.
Conspiracy Theories Multiply After Fatal Shooting
Social media platforms became flooded with speculation immediately following the shooting that killed the 31-year-old conservative activist and media personality. Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at an outdoor event just after beginning a Q&A session in front of thousands of students and supporters at Utah Valley University.
Security personnel rushed Kirk from the stage, and he was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem, where he was later pronounced dead. Within hours, videos, photos, and eyewitness accounts began circulating online, with users meticulously analysing every frame for potential clues.
One particular X post questioned: "...and why are these two guys giving hand signals immediately before the shot? Both standing perfectly to the side of the bullet track." The clip showed two men standing behind Kirk, with one appearing to adjust his hat while holding a phone and another moving his arms and glancing around.
Security Chief Expresses Bewilderment at Theories
Harpole expressed particular confusion about theories focusing on security team member Frank Turek, merely 'because he adjusted his hat.' "It's like, okay, substantiate. So he touched his hat," Harpole said. "There were a line of people in the front and other people that did all kinda things, everybody's subject to that."
The security chief revealed his astonishment at the volume and nature of conspiracy theories he's encountered, including one particularly bizarre claim that held Kirk's wife Erika responsible for the assassination. "She's a victim, that's her husband. How people without any proof are saying she's responsible, that's what makes me lose faith," Harpole stated.
Despite dismissing the hand signal theories, Harpole acknowledged his own suspicions about the Kirk shooting, admitting he "did not trust my own eyes, ears, what I was reading, what I was watching." He criticised those sensationalising the tragedy, noting that "it makes it impossible to find the truth."
Official Investigation and Political Fallout
Law enforcement agencies have consistently urged the public to rely on official updates rather than online speculation. Tyler Robinson, 22, was later arrested and charged with the murder of Kirk, though investigators haven't confirmed any connection between the arrested individual and the men shown in the controversial video clips.
The assassination of Kirk, a close ally of Donald Trump who worked to steer young voters toward conservatism, has had significant political repercussions. Republicans have vowed to continue Kirk's mission of moving American politics further right, with the President declaring Kirk a 'martyr' for freedom and threatening to crack down on what he termed the 'radical left.'
In October, the President presented Kirk's widow, Erika, with the Medal of Freedom in honour of her late husband, cementing Kirk's status as a conservative icon whose legacy continues to influence American politics despite the tragic circumstances of his death.
