Elon Musk says the broad-daylight killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has forced him to cut back on public events. Speaking on The Katie Miller Podcast, the Tesla chief said growing security threats leave him little choice. He explained that the attack on Kirk highlighted how “life is on hardcore mode” and that one mistake could be fatal.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Police say 22-year-old Tyler Robinson fired a single round from a rooftop. Officers recovered a bolt-action .30-06 rifle and ammunition marked with taunts, symbols, and references to the Italian resistance song “Bella Ciao.” Robinson now faces a first-degree murder charge and could receive a firing-squad sentence if convicted.
Musk attended Kirk’s memorial in Arizona on September 21. He praised Kirk as a powerful communicator whose work “made a difference.” Since the shooting, Musk has denounced online celebrations of the murder, calling them “evil.” He warned that society must “fight back” against those who endorse violence.
US President Donald Trump also paid tribute. He said Kirk died because he defended freedom, calling him “a giant of his generation” and a “martyr.”
