Tyler Robinson's parking lot video sparks new claims on Charlie Kirk's killing; Candace Owens reacts
Conspiracies over Charlie Kirk's assassination trial intensify after a CCTV video spark claims that the person shown isn't Tyler Robinson.
Tyler Robinson's role in the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in September 2026 has been widely debated. Nearly a year on, Robinson is on trial in Provo, Utah. And as evidence and counterevidence are pitted against each other, the death of the conservative influencer remains as contested as ever.

A section of far-right social media, led by Candace Owens, has insinuated that Kirk's killing was part of a larger conspiracy, with Kirk's wife, Erika Kirk, having a primary role in it. They claimed Tyler Robinson is purportedly not the actual assassin and has been framed to hide the conspiracy.
The claims found more fuel after a new video was submitted as evidence in the preliminary hearing, in which Tyler Robinson could be seen in a parking lot. Social media erupted with claims that the person seen in the video is allegedly not Tyler Robinson.
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Zoomed-in screen grabs from the footage went viral on social media, drawing in all the usual suspects behind the conspiracy theories around Charlie Kirk's death, including Candace Owens.
Photo Sparks Doubts Over Person In CCTV Video
Shortly after the video was released, a screenshot from it was shared by Substack influencer Mel, claiming that it is not actually Tyler Robinson. The claim instantly found resonance among those who shared it.
"'The evidence is overwhelming' that Charlie knew he could count on me to stand up to every single person that would ultimately betray him," Candace Owens wrote. “I believe you were the piece God meant for me to meet to finish the fight”, he wrote. I’ll see Charlie again someday. Until then, we finish the fight."
Here's the viral video:
Was The Video AI-Made?
After claims that the person seen in the parking lot surveillance video is not Tyler Robinson. Some even claimed that the video was AI-made. David Freiheit, a Canadian lawyer and influencer who was also a former political candidate for the People's Party of Canada, claimed that the photo has been enhanced using AI to make it appear different from Tyler Robinson.
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"I agree (that)the person in this picture does not look like Tyler Robinson," he wrote. Do you not understand that you’re sharing what appears to be an AI enhanced photo from the original video evidence?
Candace Owens, however, dismissed claims that the viral photo has been enhanced using Artificial Intelligence.
"The photo was not in any way enhanced by AI technology," Candace Owens wrote. "To the contrary, the public was shown compressed footage by the court."
ABOUT THE AUTHORShamik BanerjeeShamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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