Speculation over ‘signal’ at Charlie Kirk shooting refuted by close associates
A video circulating online has sparked speculation after it appeared to show a man touching his hat while standing behind conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot in the neck during a conference in Utah.
Many social media users claimed the man was signaling the shooter.
However, these claims have been debunked. A woman close to Kirk, and a social media influencer, Alisa Childers, clarified that the man in question is Frank Turek, a long-time friend, mentor, and religious figure, who would never have endangered Kirk. She stated:
"Some are spreading the lie that the man in the white hat next to Charlie Kirk was signaling the sniper. The truth? That man is Frank Turek, Charlie’s close friend, mentor, and a man of God. Frank loved Charlie and would have done anything to protect him. Don’t spread false rumors. Let’s make truth go viral."
Other social media users stressed that the man has long been present beside Kirk in nearly all of his debates, as he was his bodyguard.
That is Charlie Kirks long time bodyguard.
— Repeal the 14th Amendment (@Repeal14A) September 11, 2025
Anyone who has watched Charlies debates has noticed him at every event.
I believe he is competely innocent and not signaling anything.
The man in the White hat next to him is a different story. pic.twitter.com/mowvx5M2AA
Despite this clarification, some online posts continue to speculate about the man’s involvement. Tweets shared by users included observations such as:
"I can't get the video from Facebook, but the guy off to the back and left of Charlie is in on it. After Charlie puts down the mic, the guy in the white cap does a signal, reaching to his hat three times then touches his ear."
I can't get the video from Facebook, but the guy off to the back and left of Charlie is in on it. After Charlie puts down the mic, the guy in the white cap, does a signal, reaching to his hat three times then touches his ear. pic.twitter.com/aMwOrb02sx
— Brandon(@MrMOMAGA) September 11, 2025
"Have authorities questioned the guy with the white hat? Certainly he appears to be making a sign immediately prior to the shooting of Charlie Kirk."
Have authorities questioned the guy with the white hat? Certainly he appears to be making a sign immediately prior to the shooting of Charlie Kirk. pic.twitter.com/oe2sa7Txmr
— Stewart Mills (@StewartMills) September 11, 2025
Authorities have not confirmed any involvement of Turek or suggested he was part of the attack.
