Erika Kirk, the widow of influential conservative activist Charlie Kirk, recently described a four-and-a-half-hour meeting with right-wing commentator Candace Owens as “very productive.” The summit took place amidst Ms. Owens’ persistent public promotion of unsubstantiated conspiracy theories surrounding Mr. Kirk’s assassination last September. Despite their apparent reconciliation, Ms. Owens subsequently reiterated her profound skepticism regarding the official account of her friend’s death, hinting at forthcoming disclosures.

The high-profile discussion followed a period of public tension, during which Ms. Kirk had emphatically urged Ms. Owens to cease disseminating speculative claims about her late husband’s demise. At a recent CBS News town hall event, Ms. Kirk directly addressed the commentary, stating with clear resolve, “Stop. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. Stop.” This public plea underscored the deep distress caused by the theories that had gained significant traction across various online platforms.

Charlie Kirk, who founded and led the influential conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck on September 10 while attending an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. Authorities swiftly charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, whom Utah Governor Spencer Cox characterized as holding a “leftist ideology,” with the murder. Prosecutors have consistently maintained that Robinson acted alone in the attack, reportedly texting a roommate, “I had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” prior to the incident.

Following the “productive” meeting, Ms. Owens provided further insight into her continuing doubts during a podcast broadcast. She explained that a primary objective for the sit-down was to emerge with confidence to tell her audience that Tyler Robinson was indeed the shooter. However, she indicated that information conveyed by a lawyer representing Turning Point USA officials, who was present at the meeting, did not provide that definitive assurance. “What I got from the lawyer did not make me feel that Tyler Robinson shot Charlie Kirk,” Ms. Owens stated unequivocally, asserting she does not believe Robinson “pulled the trigger.”

Ms. Owens further disclosed that the legal representative suggested more conclusive evidence is expected to surface during a court hearing slated for May. This impending legal development appears to be a significant factor fueling her continued questioning of the established police narrative. Both Ms. Kirk and Ms. Owens posted brief, somewhat cryptic updates on X (formerly Twitter) following their lengthy discussion, with Ms. Kirk noting, “More to come from both of us,” and Ms. Owens acknowledging both agreements and disagreements.

Ms. Owens has a well-documented history of promoting controversial and unsubstantiated claims across various platforms. In the context of Mr. Kirk’s death, she has openly speculated about the potential involvement of foreign government agents, specifically from France or Israel, or even internal associates within Turning Point USA. These theories resonate with her broader pattern of making provocative assertions, including her highly publicized stance that Israel’s military actions in Gaza constitute genocide, a claim vehemently denied by the Middle Eastern nation.

Her propensity for controversial claims extends to international figures; Ms. Owens is currently facing a lawsuit initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, over unfounded allegations that the First Lady was born a man. Such high-profile legal challenges and her consistent questioning of mainstream narratives underscore her unique position within conservative media, often pushing boundaries beyond traditional commentary.

Following the tragic death of her husband, Erika Kirk assumed leadership of Turning Point USA, inheriting the mantle of the influential conservative youth organization. Her decision to engage directly with Candace Owens, despite their prior public disagreements over the circumstances of Charlie Kirk’s death, highlights a complex dynamic within conservative circles. The meeting’s “productive” nature, juxtaposed with Owens’ continued skepticism, suggests an evolving narrative that may carry significant implications for the perception of the investigation and the broader conservative movement. The Independent has reached out to Turning Point USA for official comment regarding the outcomes of this notable meeting.

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Keywords: Erika Kirk, Candace Owens, Charlie Kirk assassination, Turning Point USA, Tyler Robinson, conspiracy theories, conservative activist, Utah Valley University shooting