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By Toby Meyjes
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Charlie Kirk's head of security has debunked a conspiracy theory that his team and others in the crowd were making hand signals in the moments before the Turning Point USA founder was shot dead in an assassination that shocked America.
In an interview on the Shawn Ryan Show, Brian Harpole, who was leading Kirk's security detail that day, spoke for the first time about the shooting, addressing conspiracy theories and revealing his concerns about security leading up to the event.
Newsweek approached Turning Point USA for comment.
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Why It Matters
The fatal shooting of the conservative activist at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10, set off a storm of wild speculation and unsubstantiated claims, spread by social media users analyzing footage and images and making bogus suggestions about what happened.
One of those was the baseless claim that a man stood near to Kirk in a white baseball cap made a hand signal toward the shooter. Another suggested two people were making signals while standing "perfectly to the side" of the bullet track.
Kirk's friend Frank Turek, who was reported to be the person wearing the baseball cap, took to X days after the shooting to declare the accusations as "categorically false" and warned such claims dishonored Kirk's memory. Harpole's comments mark the first time someone on the security detail has addressed the claims.
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What To Know
Harpole, whose firm Integrity Security Solutions was contracted with Turning Point USA, told Ryan his team did not use hand signals. Addressing the conspiracy theories, he said: "If we needed to relay a message, then we'd *click* 'Hey, I hear on' comms…If I needed to get somebody's attention on the team, I'm not going to sit there and use a hand signal if he's in my line of sight."
He added: "If I looked up and did a hand signal and did that or that (makes hand signals), he's going to look at me like, 'So, what do you want me to do then?'…That's not good communication.
"It has to be definitive, it has to be necessary.
"We'd never use hand signals other than the general ones (makes motions for *cover me* ,*come here**two people*)."
Regarding the claims about Turek, he said: "It's like, OK, substantiate. So, he touched his hat.
"There were a line of people in the front and other people that did all kinda things before that, everybody's subject to that."
Harpole also debunked other baseless conspiracy theories including about an exploding microphone and that there was no autopsy performed.
In the aftermath of Kirk's shooting, it emerged a shot had been fired from the roof of the Losee Center on campus.
He said he was concerned the event was being held in an open outdoor space, but was told it needed to be held in that location. UVU spokesperson Ellen Treanor previously told The Salt Lake Tribune that Kirk's team "put the request in for that specific area. They really wanted it in the open courtyard."
What People Are Saying
Frank Turek's account posted on X on September 12: "The viral accusations against Dr. Frank Turek are categorically false. Dr. Turek was at Utah Valley University as part of Charlie Kirk’s team, standing with him as a close friend and mentor. Their bond was marked by deep respect and unwavering support. Like everyone, we want Charlie’s assassin brought swiftly to justice, but reckless and false accusations only distract from the truth and dishonor Charlie’s memory. Out of Respect for the gravity of this tragedy, Dr. Turek is not available for a media interview at this time."
Speaking about the outdoor venue on the, Brian Harpole said on the Shawn Ryan Show: "It’s a beautiful amphitheater there at UVU, but you’re a tactician—if you’re somewhere and you’re covered from an elevated position 180 degrees, that's horrible.”
UVU told Newsweek in a statement: "UVU is engaged in the initial phase of the independent review following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10. It has commenced the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to select an independent, expert third party organization that will assist UVU in enhancing safety practices both at UVU and within Utah Higher Education. The comprehensive and independent third-party analysis will be made public once complete and will provide valuable insights into improving safety and security on college campuses. UVU is committed to integrating these findings into its safety protocols to benefit UVU and the broader Utah higher education community and campus events."
What Happens Next
Tyler Robinson is facing multiple charges in connection with Kirk's assassination, including aggravated murder. His next court hearing is scheduled for January 16.
Update 11/20/25 6.50am E.T. This story was updated with additional comment
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