Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has said the broad-daylight killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has forced him to significantly reduce his public appearances, citing heightened security risks and a stark new reality for high-profile figures.
Speaking on The Katie Miller Podcast, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO said the incident had reinforced how dangerous public life has become. “These days, particularly in light of Charlie Kirk’s murder, there are serious security issues,” Musk said. “It’s not that I don’t want to, I simply can’t.”
‘One mistake and you’re dead’
Asked whether the killing had changed how he operates, Musk replied that it had “certainly reinforced the severity of the situation”. He added, “Life is on hardcore mode. You make one mistake and you’re dead.”
The comments were made while discussing why he often avoids stopping for selfies or engaging publicly despite requests from supporters.
Details of the killing
Charlie Kirk, founder of conservative group Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck on September 10 while addressing a crowd at Utah Valley University. Authorities allege that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson fired a single round from a nearby rooftop.
Investigators reportedly recovered a bolt-action .30-06 rifle and ammunition bearing unusual inscriptions, including taunts, gaming-style symbols and references to the Italian resistance song Bella Ciao. Robinson has been charged with first-degree murder and could face the death penalty by firing squad if convicted.
For background, see Charlie Kirk on Wikipedia.
Musk’s response and condemnation
Musk attended Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona on September 21, where he described the activist as a powerful communicator whose “message made a difference”. Since the shooting, he has repeatedly condemned online celebrations of Kirk’s death, calling them “evil”.
“Either we fight back, or they will kill us,” Musk said in one post, warning that tolerating violence would lead to a “fight or die” scenario for those targeted over their beliefs.
Political reactions
Former US President Donald Trump also reacted strongly, saying Kirk was “violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice”. Calling the 31-year-old “a giant of his generation”, Trump described him as a martyr and claimed that “the bullet was aimed at all of us”.
The killing has intensified debate in the US around political violence, public safety and the risks faced by outspoken figures across the ideological spectrum.