The broad-daylight murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk is the reason behind billionaire Elon Musk's reduced public appearances. Speaking on The Katie Miller Podcast, the Tesla CEO said, “These days, particularly in light of Charlie Kirk's murder, there are serious security issues.”
“It's not that I don't want to, I simply can't,” he added.
When asked if Charlie Kirk's murder has changed how he does things, Musk said, "It certainly reinforced the severity of the situation where life is on hardcore mode. You make one mistake and you're dead.”
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck on September 10, allegedly by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. Authorities say Robinson fired a single round from a nearby rooftop as Kirk addressed a crowd at Utah Valley University.
They found a bolt-action .30-06 rifle and ammunition with unusual inscriptions, including taunts, gaming-style symbols, and references to the Italian resistance song “Bella Ciao.”
Robinson faces a first-degree murder charge and could be sentenced to death by firing squad if convicted.
Musk attended Kirk's memorial service in Arizona on September 21, where he described the conservative figure as a forceful communicator whose “message made a difference.”
Since the shooting, the billionaire has condemned online celebrations of Kirk's death. He described online celebrations of the murder as “evil” and accused those praising the attack of supporting “cold-blooded murder.” He also warned, “Either we fight back, or they will kill us.”
In another exchange, Musk said that if people were not allowed to live peacefully, the choice would eventually become “fight or die.”
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said Kirk was “violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice. For God and country. For reason and for common sense.”
He praised the 31-year-old as “a giant of his generation” and called him a “martyr.” Trump told the crowd that while the gun was pointed at Kirk, “the bullet was aimed at all of us.”
