Elon Musk Fires Back at Stephen King After Comments on Charlie Kirk Assassination
Rising Tensions in the Wake of a National Tragedy
The tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has left the country in mourning and sparked an immediate and heated debate. Political leaders, commentators, and cultural icons have all weighed in on the shocking event, which saw Kirk fatally shot while addressing an outdoor debate.
As tributes poured in for the Turning Point USA founder, the polarized nature of America’s cultural conversation reared its head. Some remembered Kirk as a patriot and passionate defender of conservative ideals, while others recalled his more controversial remarks. That division intensified when acclaimed horror author Stephen King issued a sharp reminder of Kirk’s past statements on LGBTQ+ issues — prompting Elon Musk to fire back with one word that set social media ablaze.
The Shooting That Shook the Nation
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was in the middle of a heated discussion on gun violence with a college student when a gunshot rang out. Witnesses reported that the bullet came from a rooftop overlooking the debate space. The single round struck Kirk in the neck, leaving him with fatal injuries.
Despite efforts to save him, Kirk, only 31 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene. The FBI quickly released photos of a person of interest, announcing a $100,000 reward for information leading to the shooter’s arrest. The assassination mirrored last year’s failed attempts on Donald Trump’s life, raising questions about security at political events and whether ideological violence is spiraling out of control in America.
Reactions From Across the Political Spectrum
Almost immediately, tributes flooded in. Former President Donald Trump called Kirk “legendary,” highlighting his devotion to conservative causes and his role in mobilizing young voters. Barack Obama also condemned the killing, stating:
“We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Kirk’s widow, Erika Lane Frantzve, had posted a Bible verse only hours before the shooting that many have since described as eerily prophetic.
But even as grief and condolences spread, heated disputes erupted online — particularly over how Kirk’s life and legacy should be remembered.
Stephen King Weighs In
Fox News host Jesse Watters sparked debate when he described Kirk as “not controversial” and “not polarizing,” before adding, “Charlie was a PATRIOT… Rest in peace, my friend.”
Author Stephen King sharply disagreed. On X (formerly Twitter), King replied:
“He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’.”
https://twitter.com/Bubblebathgirl/status/1966343060683633067
The remark referenced a resurfaced clip in which Kirk cited Leviticus during a discussion of Pride Month. Kirk quoted the verse mentioning stoning, seemingly to criticize “cherry-picking” of scripture. While critics saw this as advocacy of violence, defenders argued he was simply pointing out contradictions.
One user wrote in response to King:
“Clearly Charlie Kirk was showing how people cherry pick which parts of the Bible they honor. He wasn’t himself advocating for the violence Stephen King described.”
The controversy gained momentum rapidly, putting King at the center of a storm just hours after Kirk’s death.
Elon Musk Strikes Back
Elon Musk, never shy about weighing in on cultural battles, responded directly to King’s claim with a single word:
“Liar.”
That blunt retort instantly went viral. Supporters of Musk praised him for defending Kirk against what they saw as a smear at the worst possible moment. Critics, however, accused Musk of oversimplifying a sensitive issue and fueling online hostility.
Musk’s one-word post carried weight. With millions of followers, his interventions in public debates often shift the narrative. In this case, it highlighted how polarized the discussion over Kirk has become — not just in political circles, but also across cultural lines where figures like King and Musk hold tremendous influence.
Charlie Kirk’s Record and the Divide It Created
Kirk’s career made him both beloved and reviled. At 18, he co-founded Turning Point USA, an organization dedicated to spreading conservative values on college campuses. Known for fiery campus debates, his speeches often targeted hot-button issues such as gender identity, climate policy, and immigration.
He opposed same-sex marriage, but in 2019 clarified his stance:
“I believe marriage is one man one woman. Also gay people should be welcome in the conservative movement. As Christians we are called to love everyone.”
Even so, critics viewed his rhetoric as harmful, particularly when he leaned on biblical texts that include violent prescriptions.
The assassination has now turned those controversies into part of the public debate over his memory. Was he primarily a champion of free speech for conservatives, or a divisive culture warrior? The battle over his legacy seems destined to last far longer than the investigation into his death.
A Nation on Edge
The Kirk shooting adds to a pattern of high-profile political violence in recent years, from attacks on Donald Trump to threats against lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. It raises profound questions about security, tolerance, and whether America can navigate its divides without violence.
For now, the FBI continues its search for Kirk’s killer. Meanwhile, cultural clashes over his legacy rage on, with Elon Musk and Stephen King embodying the opposite ends of the debate.
What is clear is that the tragedy has left the nation shaken, Kirk’s family grieving, and America once again questioning where political passion ends and dangerous extremism begins.
