Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has announced she will hold a private, in-person meeting with far-right commentator Candace Owens on Monday, December 15. The development comes after weeks of escalating tension over conspiracy theories promoted by Owens regarding Kirk’s assassination.
Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the youth organisation now led by Erika Kirk, had planned a livestream to fact-check Owens’ claims but cancelled it following the announcement. Owens, a former TPUSA staffer, has suggested that Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a pro-Israel henchman with assistance from TPUSA associates and the US military.
In a social media post on Sunday evening, Kirk stated: “Candace Owens and I are meeting for a private, in-person discussion on Monday, December 15. @RealCandaceO and I have agreed that public discussions, livestreams, and tweets are on hold until after this meeting. I look forward to a productive conversation.” Owens responded, saying she was “very much looking forward to this discussion”.
Owens’ conspiracy theories have included claims that Charlie Kirk was “betrayed by the leadership of Turning Point USA” and that he was concerned about TPUSA’s finances before his death. The Treasury Department, at Erika Kirk’s request, confirmed that the organisation is not under IRS investigation. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man, has been charged with Charlie Kirk’s murder.
Despite initial plans for a live fact-checking seminar at TPUSA’s AmeriFest conference, Owens demurred citing scheduling conflicts. However, with Erika Kirk now choosing to meet privately, the public showdown has been shelved. The feud has drawn sharp lines within the conservative movement, with Kirk urging Owens to stop targeting her family and colleagues.
