Charlie Kirk’s head of security has publicly responded to the speculation surrounding the hand movements made by members of his protection team just moments before the conservative activist was fatally shot. The remarks come after weeks of circulating videos, online theories, and heightened scrutiny of every detail captured during the tragic event.
Kirk, 31, was killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The incident occurred in the middle of a Q&A session, when a single gunshot rang out from within the venue. The bullet struck Kirk in the neck, causing him to collapse instantly as audience members and security personnel looked on in shock.
Security rushed to his aid and transported him to a hospital within minutes, but despite their efforts, Kirk could not be saved. His sudden death sent shockwaves through the political world and prompted an outpouring of grief from supporters and colleagues.
In the days that followed, clips of the event spread rapidly across social media. Viewers began dissecting the footage, paying particular attention to the body language and hand movements of several members of Kirk’s security team. Some online commentators suggested the guards’ gestures hinted at advance knowledge of the shooting, pointing to moments where individuals adjusted their sleeves or made other subtle motions.
On Monday, November 17, Brian Harpole—the security director overseeing the detail that day—addressed these theories during an interview on the Shawn Ryan Show podcast. Harpole unequivocally rejected the idea that his team communicated any warning signs through those movements. “If we needed to relay a message, then we’d say it on comms,” he explained. “If we notice something, we’re not gonna use a hand signal.”
Harpole went on to clarify that while hand signals do exist in certain security protocols, they are never subtle or easily confused with everyday gestures. “We’d use signals that can’t be confused with a man scratching his a**,” he said, emphasizing that professional communication must be unmistakable and immediately understood by every team member.
He added that if any operative attempted to use a hand signal, the rest of the team would immediately look to him for direction—a reaction that did not occur during the moments leading up to the shooting. For Harpole, that fact alone dismisses the claim that any silent warning was given. He admitted he was surprised to see theories emerge simply because one guard briefly adjusted his hat.
“It’s like, OK, substantiate it,” Harpole said. “So he touched his hat. There were people in the front row making all kinds of movements. Everyone does. That doesn’t turn them into co-conspirators.” Although he expressed sympathy for those searching for answers, he also noted that such theories can quickly spiral beyond reality.
Harpole also took time to condemn rumors involving Kirk’s widow, Erika. Some online posts had gone so far as to speculate—without evidence—that she played a role in her husband’s death or had prior knowledge of the attack. Harpole denounced those accusations as deeply harmful. “She’s a victim. That’s her husband,” he said. “And now people, without any proof, are saying she was part of killing him. That’s what makes me lose faith in people.”
Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the shooting. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, along with additional counts including obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Investigators have not indicated that anyone else was involved. Robinson is scheduled to make his first in-person court appearance in January, as the case moves forward and the community awaits answers rooted in evidence, not speculation.
