A Founder’s Legacy and a Widening Rift

In the wake of the tragic assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, the organization is grappling not only with the loss of its leader but also with a growing internal crisis fueled by conspiracy theories. Candace Owens, a former associate of the conservative group, has publicly alleged Israel’s involvement in the September 10 shooting of the 31-year-old Kirk at Utah Valley University. Her claims have thrown TPUSA into a state of chaos, placing Kirk’s widow and new CEO, Erika Kirk, in an increasingly difficult position.

The Leaked Texts at the Center of the Storm

To support her controversial claims, Owens recently unveiled what she described as ‘leaked’ text messages from Charlie Kirk. In the messages, Kirk discussed losing a Jewish donor because he refused to cancel an appearance by Israel critic Tucker Carlson. Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for TPUSA, confirmed the authenticity of the texts during an appearance on the Charlie Kirk Show. However, Kolvet clarified that the organization had already provided these messages to federal authorities as part of the investigation, seeking to uncover any potential motive for the attack.

While the text messages are real, law enforcement officials have not found any evidence connecting Kirk’s death to Israel. Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Utah native Tyler Robinson and charged him with murder. Despite this, Owens’ revelations have complicated matters for TPUSA, an organization still mourning its founder.

TPUSA Scrambles to Contain the Fallout

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Owens’ claims have rocked TPUSA internally. Senior figures have reportedly instructed staff and allies to refrain from engaging with the controversy online. The leadership allegedly warned that a public battle with Owens would only exacerbate the crisis. “This was the kind of distraction Charlie always feared,” a source told the publication.

Many within the organization are reportedly dismayed that Owens is at the forefront of pushing these theories. A person identified as a longtime friend of Kirk’s expressed their disappointment, stating, “She is free to say what she wants, ask what she wants, I just think she’s taking it in the wrong direction.”

Kolvet affirmed that TPUSA believes the authorities have apprehended the correct individual but added that the organization is “still going to pursue every open question.”

All Eyes on Erika Kirk’s Silence

Amid the turmoil, the focus has increasingly shifted to Erika Kirk and her notable silence on the issue. Many observers and social media users are questioning why the new CEO has not taken a public stance against Owens’ divisive claims. The speculation online has been rampant, with various theories emerging to explain her lack of response.

“Why has Erika Kirk been so quiet while everyone’s calling Candace Owens crazy? Is she working with Candace and leaking info from behind the scenes? Or just letting Candace take all the heat while she plays clean?” one user posted on X.

Another user expressed frustration, writing, “CANDACE OWENS has lost her mind… Now she’s set her sites [sights] on Erika Kirk. Is there no line she won’t cross? I used to respect her.”

Conversely, some predict that legal action is inevitable. A third comment suggested, “Erika Kirk is a grieving widow with money and a team of lawyers. Candace Owens and a few others are going to find this out the hard way.”

For her part, Erika Kirk’s only recent public post was a video tribute marking the one-month anniversary of her husband’s death, featuring clips of them together and an outpouring of public support. To date, there has been no official statement from either Erika Kirk or TPUSA regarding any potential action against Candace Owens, leaving the future of this complex situation uncertain.