Christian Media Clash Over Kirk Assassination Theories
A significant public rift has emerged within conservative Christian media circles as influential commentator Allie Beth Stuckey launched a forceful critique against fellow commentator Candace Owens regarding conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
The Public Accusation
Stuckey, recently described by the Wall Street Journal as a potential 'heir-apparent to Kirk', addressed Owens directly during her popular online show, Relatable, on Wednesday. The confrontation stemmed from Owens' ongoing series investigating Kirk's murder, which occurred on September 10 while he was speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
'I wasn't going to respond to Candace publicly, but I was genuinely hurt by her accusation that I don't care about who killed Charlie because I expressed concern for the lives of people who have been implicated in her series,' Stuckey wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
She emphasised her Christian perspective, stating: 'Just asking questions' isn't a justification for slander. The God who created us and weighs our words has a lot to say about how we speak and what we seek.'
Widow Implicated in Theories
The controversy particularly centres around what Stuckey perceives as the indirect targeting of Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow who now serves as CEO of Turning Point USA. While Owens has stopped short of directly accusing Kirk's widow, Stuckey argued that the implications are clear.
'I'm not saying Candace said 'Erika did it' - but when you say 'everyone around Charlie betrayed him' and 'Turning Point is covering it up'... Erika is the CEO. People are drawing the conclusion that the widow is in on it,' Stuckey explained during her show.
The dispute highlights growing tensions within conservative media following Kirk's death. Tyler Robinson, 22, a left-wing college dropout, has been charged with the assassination, though Owens has questioned the official investigation's findings.
Conservative Support and Backlash
Several prominent conservative figures have praised Stuckey for speaking out. David Limbaugh, brother of the late conservative media titan Rush Limbaugh, wrote on X: 'Kudos and respect to Allie Beth Stuckey for her courage and telling the truth in love, modeling Christian behavior.'
Josh Hammer, one of Kirk's friends directly targeted by Owens' theories, thanked Stuckey for her 'courage and conviction' in addressing Owens directly. Political commentator Erielle Azerrad also commended Stuckey, suggesting her condemnation was something other commentators had been too cautious to attempt.
Owens responded to the Daily Mail with a statement defending her approach: 'I am pointing out glaring inconsistencies and outright lies that we have been told regarding Charlie's assassination.' She branded Stuckey a 'committed Zionist' who uses 'emotionally manipulative tactics' to discourage questioning.
Questions Over Ballistics
Owens has particularly questioned the official account of Kirk's death, citing the bullet that killed him. The bullet came from a .30-06 caliber rifle, a powerful hunting rifle caliber, and was found lodged inside his neck.
'Bullets that are designed to take down a moose are not magically stopped by human necks,' Owens concluded, suggesting the official explanation lacks credibility.
Meanwhile, Erika Kirk has continued her husband's work, becoming the new CEO of Turning Point USA and accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously on her husband's behalf from President Donald Trump at the White House last month.
At Kirk's memorial service, held at State Farm Stadium before more than 60,000 people, Trump memorably eulogized Kirk and comforted Erika, acknowledging 'the weight of this monumental loss is almost unbearable.'
The organisation Kirk built into one of America's most influential conservative youth movements continues under Erika's leadership, though now shadowed by internal disputes over the circumstances of its founder's death.
