Antisemitic, Anti-Israel Theories Circulate Online Hours After Charlie Kirk's Assassination

Last Updated:September 14, 2025, 17:56 IST

According to a report by the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism, a wave of "false narratives" began circulating shortly after Kirk was fatally shot

The ADL said it had tracked more than 10,000 posts on X, containing the phrase “Israel killed Charlie Kirk” in the immediate aftermath of the murder.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has given rise to a surge of antisemitic and anti-Israel conspiracy theories online, with social media users spreading unfounded claims within hours of the shooting.

According to a report by the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Center on Extremism, a wave of “false narratives" began circulating shortly after Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking with students at Utah Valley University on September 10.

“Within hours, and before a suspect had been identified, antisemites and promoters of false narratives seized the moment to attribute the incident to Israel or to blame Jews generally," the ADL wrote in its report. “A common example of how bad actors take advantage of breaking news events and tragedies to advance their own hateful agendas."

The ADL said it had tracked more than 10,000 posts on X, containing the phrase “Israel killed Charlie Kirk" in the immediate aftermath of the murder.

One widely shared post read, “Yesterday was a turning point for Israel-U.S. relations. Less than 24 hours and the internet already figured out who the most likely culprit was. He was their friend. He basically dedicated his life to them. And they murdered him in front of his family. Israel just shot themselves."

Another viral post, cited in the ADL report, claimed Kirk had believed Israel would “kill him if he turns against them". The post, viewed more than 10 million times, offered no evidence.

Some users pointed to Kirk’s recent decision to host comedian Dave Smith, known for his criticism of Israel, as supposed motivation for the killing.

In another example cited by the ADL, a user claimed, “He started mildly criticising Israel and now he’s dead. Just think about that." The post received more than 200,000 likes.

Others went further, suggesting that Israel and the US government collaborated to assassinate Kirk and frame Muslims, referencing the proximity of the shooting to the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Online vitriol and grassroots persecution have exploded in the wake of the killing of the right-wing figure, further deepening political divisions in the US.

Kirk, a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump and a controversial figure known for his hardline conservative stances, was both praised and condemned across the political spectrum. His death was quickly politicised.

Authorities have since arrested Tyler Robinson, the shooting suspect, who allegedly engraved anti-fascist messages on bullet casings. The American right has labelled him a “far-left" killer.

Kirk’s murder has been condemned by political leaders on both sides, but Trump swiftly blamed the “radical left" before police had identified a suspect.

Trump called Kirk a “giant of his generation" and led official tributes, including ordering flags flown at half-staff. Kirk’s body was transported aboard Air Force Two to Phoenix, Arizona, escorted by Vice President JD Vance.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world Antisemitic, Anti-Israel Theories Circulate Online Hours After Charlie Kirk's Assassination

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