One year after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a debate at Utah Valley University, Hunter Kozak, the student who was last to speak with Kirk, is reflecting on the traumatic event and the ensuing wave of conspiracy theories. Kozak was a student at the university, studying to become a math teacher, and was a liberal who often disagreed with Kirk's politics but respected his willingness to engage in debate.
On September 10, 2025, in front of a crowd of 3,000, Kozak approached Kirk to ask a question. While he had considered inquiring about the Epstein files, he chose to address the issue of mass shootings. Kozak noted that a recent shooting by a transgender individual had led to discussions among some conservatives about revoking gun rights for transgender Americans. He posed a question to Kirk about the number of transgender Americans who had been mass shooters in the preceding decade. Kirk's initial response was, "Too many." Kozak countered by stating that in America, the number was five, and then asked Kirk how many mass shooters there had been in the last ten years. Before the exchange could continue, a shot was fired, striking Kirk in the neck. Kozak, who was standing nearby, described the moment as disorienting and later realized the bullet likely passed close to him.
In the immediate aftermath, Kozak experienced panic and horror, a reaction he later observed on video playback. He was the last person to speak with Kirk before the shooting. Tyler Robinson, 23, has been charged in connection with Kirk's killing and has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including aggravated murder. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty, arguing that Robinson's alleged actions endangered others in the crowded venue. A judge recently sided with prosecutors, allowing the case to proceed toward trial.
Megan Kirk's family has called the ruling a significant step in their pursuit of justice.
The shooting quickly spawned conspiracy theories, with some online communities targeting Kozak. He was labeled a "patsy," a "murderer," and a "crisis actor." Theorists falsely claimed he signaled the shooter by touching his glasses and that he had rehearsed his reaction to the event. Kozak stated that these accusations began to emerge immediately after the incident, fueled by the coincidence of him discussing gun violence moments before Kirk was shot.
Kozak described the experience of being targeted as horrifying, with YouTube videos attracting hundreds of thousands of views and making fun of his response to the shooting. He noted that many conspiracy theorists operate under a veil of "plausible deniability," framing their accusations as mere questions while extensively detailing why a situation is suspicious. The harassment escalated to aggressive direct messages and death threats, and at one point, someone was reportedly circling his apartment building and spreading conspiracy theories.
Kozak has since taken an interest in understanding the motivations behind conspiracy theories. He created his own video featuring conversations with individuals who had published content about him. He described one interaction with a YouTuber as jarringly pleasant compared to the online content, leading to a temporary pause in that individual's video production. He also spoke with a woman who had called him a "crisis actor," who expressed shock at his direct contact, likening him to a "punching bag that grew a face."
He attributes the proliferation of conspiracy theories to various factors, including individuals seeking validation by spreading information, monetary incentives, and a genuine belief in fabricated narratives. Kozak also expressed sympathy for Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, who has also been targeted by conspiracy theorists, acknowledging her grief as a widow while being critical of her politics.
Erika Kirk leaves the Fourth District Courthouse in Provo, Utah, after a hearing for Robinson on July 6.
The murder case against Robinson is proceeding toward a potential death penalty trial, with Kirk's family emphasizing their commitment to seeking justice.