Far-right commentator Candace Owens has once again stirred debate over the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Owens, a former associate of Kirk’s organisation Turning Point USA, claimed that the political figure had fallen out with his pro-Israel donors shortly before being shot dead at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

On Monday, Owens released screenshots from what she claims was a group chat with Kirk, allegedly from two days before the shooting. In the messages, a user named “Charlie Kirk” appears frustrated over losing a major Jewish donor, allegedly worth $2 million a year, after refusing to “cancel” Tucker Carlson. The messages also include an apparent statement where the user says he was “leaving the pro-Israel cause” after being “bullied” by donors. There is no official confirmation that the texts came from Charlie Kirk himself, but the screenshots have gone viral, sparking heated debates about what really happened in his final days.

Candace Owens’ allegations and the backlash

Candace Owens claimed that Kirk’s growing discomfort with Israeli influence had put him in a difficult position. She alleged that Jewish and Israeli donors pressured him to take a more pro-Israel stance, something he reportedly resisted in his final weeks. Owens even claimed that Kirk was in a meeting with several Israeli donors and billionaire Bill Ackman, where he expressed his frustration. Ackman later denied these claims.

Owens, who has become increasingly pro-Palestine since leaving Turning Point USA in 2019, said Kirk told friends that his criticism of Israel was causing “trouble” among major conservative circles. She also alleged that the investigation into Kirk’s death has been “taken over by new officials” and suggested that a “federal cover-up” could be in play.

The viral texts and their possible meaning

The alleged group chat shared by Owens shows the user claiming that losing a Jewish donor was “the last straw.” He reportedly added that he wouldn’t be “bullied into political obedience.” These words have led many to believe that Kirk had begun distancing himself from his former allies who supported Israel’s military campaigns.

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has ignited intense discussions online (Credit: X/@ZeoVGM)

The screenshots quickly spread across X, with many users wondering if this shift in his beliefs could have made him a target. Others, however, have questioned Owens’ credibility and the authenticity of the screenshots, urging caution until verified evidence is produced.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s tweet and renewed conspiracy theories

Kirk’s death had already caused a wave of online speculation, especially after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted about the assassination 20 minutes before any U.S. authority confirmed it. Many online sleuths found the timing “suspicious” and accused Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad of being involved, although there is no evidence supporting that claim.

Social media erupted after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, with users linking Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu (Credit: X/umarreze5)

Adding to the theories, Kirk had reportedly declined Netanyahu’s invitation to visit Israel two weeks before his death and had spoken publicly against Israel’s bombing campaigns in Gaza. The overlap of these events has only added fuel to the narrative that his changing political views could have played a role in his tragic end.

A conservative figure at the centre of controversy

Charlie Kirk was a powerful voice in American conservative politics and the founder of Turning Point USA, a youth-led organisation supporting right-wing values. He was also a close ally of Donald Trump and known for his unapologetic views on gun rights, free speech, and immigration. In recent months, however, he had shifted his attention to demanding transparency on the Jeffrey Epstein files, further angering some powerful figures.

Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk (Credit: X/daniellucas_21)

Witnesses at Utah Valley University described the shooting as “coordinated,” and the suspect reportedly vanished despite tight security. The lack of answers, combined with Owens’ revelations, has turned Kirk’s death into one of the most talked-about mysteries of the year. While the investigation continues, one question dominates online discussions: did Charlie Kirk’s growing distance from pro-Israel forces make him a target?

Possible motives and unanswered questions

Many supporters believe Kirk’s last few days reflect a change in his political tone, particularly regarding Israel. The viral texts shared by Owens have added to suspicions that he may have wanted to break free from donor influence. Yet, without official confirmation, the claims remain speculative.

Erika Kirk with her husband Charlie Kirk | Credit: Instagram/Erika Kirk

Owens insists she is only seeking the truth about her friend’s death. But her statements have drawn both criticism and praise, dividing conservatives over whether Kirk’s tragic death was politically motivated or simply a tragic act of violence. Charlie Kirk’s final days remain clouded by unanswered questions and theories that refuse to fade away.