Tech billionaire Musk, cites security fears after Charlie Kirk was shot dead at a campus event, as political violence raises alarm across the United States.
Elon Musk says the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has sharply altered his sense of personal safety, underscoring what he described as a growing climate of political violence in the United States.
Speaking on The Katie Miller Podcast, the Tesla and SpaceX chief said he now avoids public appearances, citing heightened security risks following Kirk’s killing earlier this year. Musk said even brief encounters with strangers have become fraught with danger.
“These days, especially after Charlie Kirk’s murder, there are serious security issues,” Musk said. “It’s not that I don’t want to go out. I simply can’t.”
Musk, 54, said the assassination reinforced his belief that public figures now operate under constant threat. “Life is on hardcore mode,” he said, adding that a single mistake could prove fatal.
Kirk, a prominent and polarizing right-wing activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was killed on September 10, 2025, during a question-and-answer session with students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31.
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Video of the shooting circulated widely on social media, drawing international attention and reigniting debates over political extremism, campus security, and gun violence. Authorities said Kirk was shot at close range during the event, which had drawn hundreds of students.
A day later, police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson after he turned himself in. Prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder and other offenses. Investigators have not publicly detailed a motive, and the case remains under active review.
Kirk’s death sent shockwaves through conservative circles. Musk and President Donald Trump were among the high-profile figures who attended a memorial service on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Musk also posted a public tribute on X, calling Kirk’s death difficult to comprehend and praising his influence.
“I know you are resting in peace, Charlie,” Musk wrote, alongside a video of Kirk. “Still can’t believe this happened. Your memory lives strong.”
In the weeks since the assassination, some conservative groups have urged universities to honor Kirk’s legacy, including proposals to erect statues in his name. The idea has sparked backlash from critics who point to Kirk’s controversial rhetoric and political positions.
Musk’s comments add to broader concerns among public officials, business leaders, and activists about personal security amid rising polarization. Law enforcement agencies across the country have warned of increased threats against public figures, particularly those with large online followings.
For Musk, the message was stark. The risks, he said, are no longer abstract. “This is the reality now,” he told the podcast. “You have to assume the danger is real.”
