Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, said he was forced to hire 24/7 security earlier this year after receiving "truly horrific messages" online and discussed that decision in the wake of the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Portnoy made the comments on the latest episode of his podcast, The Unnamed Show, where he described having a final encounter with Kirk roughly two months ago and asking him about the precautions Kirk took when speaking on college campuses. Portnoy said Kirk told him he traveled with a "big security detail" and was aware of the risks of speaking at such events.
Portnoy said his own decision to ramp up protection followed a viral clip earlier this year in which he had a heated argument with co-host Kirk Minihane. After the clip circulated, Portnoy said he began receiving disturbing messages from people who had no personal connection to him. "I was getting truly horrific messages," he told Minihane, adding that the threats prompted him to employ round-the-clock security "for the first time in my life." "All it takes is one lunatic," he said.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while speaking at a Q&A at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. He collapsed after being hit by a single bullet and was rushed to a hospital, where he died. Kirk leaves a wife and two young children.
Authorities initially detained two people in connection with the incident, but law enforcement later said the shooter remained at large. The FBI and Utah police launched a manhunt for the suspect.
The killing has prompted widespread attention and sharp reactions online. Portnoy criticized social media users who appeared to celebrate the killing and compared the response to earlier incidents in which perpetrators of violence were lauded by some online commentators. He referenced an earlier killing of a health-care worker and said social media posts praising that attacker underlined how "scary" the environment has become.
The shooting also led to consequences for individuals and organizations whose employees posted about the killing. NFL franchise the Carolina Panthers said it fired a junior employee after an Instagram post that mocked the assassination.
Portnoy framed his security decision as a response to the broader atmosphere around public figures who draw intense online attention. He emphasized that, while he was generally not personally bothered by the messages, the unpredictable nature of threats made continual protection necessary.
The investigation into Kirk's death is ongoing. Portnoy discussed the shooting and his security measures as part of a broader conversation about safety, protest and the responsibilities of public figures who engage in contentious political debate.