"They wanted me to see you die": Candace Owens recalls Charlie Kirk’s final moments and claims he was betrayed

Candace Owens marked the first anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s death by dedicating a podcast episode to the late political activist. In an open letter, Owens reflected on her relationship with Kirk while making a series of unverified claims about the circumstances surrounding his death and the online circulation of footage. Her comments have renewed attention around Kirk’s legacy and the questions she says still trouble her.Candace Owens says Charlie Kirk was betrayedOwens used the anniversary to address Kirk directly, describing what she said was an immediate feeling that something had gone wrong even before she learned he had died. She said she expressed that belief to her husband, George, while they were praying in an office.“I want you to know that I already know, so you don't need to keep insisting. You know, before we even found out that you didn't make it, I knew you were betrayed. I told George that as we prayed in his office, I said, "They betrayed him."”Owens then suggested that people she believes were responsible for the alleged betrayal would eventually face consequences. She framed the situation in spiritual terms and said she believed a mistake had been made.“Instantly, Charlie, like an old memory, had just been triggered. I also know that they're not going to get away with it. They made a mistake. The devil overplayed his hand this time,” Owens added.Those statements represent Owens’ interpretation. The supplied report does not establish that Kirk was betrayed or identify evidence proving such a claim.Candace Owens questions Charlie Kirk death footageOwens also focused on the online distribution of footage showing Kirk’s fatal shooting. She questioned why the video appeared across several major social media platforms and argued that its circulation seemed unusual.“I have this deep sense that they wanted me to see you die. The manner in which it was broadcast globally all across social media doesn't make any sense. It defied algorithmic norms. Facebook, TikTok, X.”She continued by questioning why content moderation systems did not appear to remove the violent material immediately.“Suddenly, all of their preventative measures that are designed to catch and remove violence from their platforms immediately malfunctioned that day. They wanted everyone to watch you die. For what reason, I'm not sure,” Owens said.Her remarks raise questions about how graphic material spreads online, but the claims about intentional distribution remain allegations rather than established conclusions.Owens also discussed Kirk’s memorial service, saying she viewed the event as resembling a Republican National Convention rally. She brought up Ben Shapiro’s relationship with Turning Point USA and revisited her previous comments about Kirk’s reported opinion of Shapiro.Kirk died on September 10 of the previous year after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University. A suspect, Tyler Robinson, was identified in connection with the shooting.As the anniversary brought Kirk’s death back into public discussion, Owens used the occasion to voice unresolved suspicions and personal beliefs. Her comments have attracted attention, but distinguishing those allegations from confirmed facts remains important when discussing such a high-profile killing.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.