Disgraced mixed martial artist Bryce Mitchell on Thursday blamed Israel for the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks while reacting to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, in a social media video that revived scrutiny of the fighter's past controversial statements.
In the video, Mitchell said he was "so upset" about Kirk's death and called Kirk "an extremely brave Christian," then asserted, "Ain't no Muslims did 9/11. 9/11 was done by Israel," adding that "Israel hates Jesus Christ." The remarks were posted as footage and posts about Kirk's killing circulated widely online. Kirk, a prominent conservative organizer and ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot while hosting a campus Q&A at Utah Valley University on Wednesday; the suspect remained at large and the FBI had launched a manhunt.
The remarks drew immediate condemnation on social media and prompted reminders of Mitchell's history of inflammatory comments. Earlier this year, Mitchell drew widespread rebuke after praising Adolf Hitler and disputing the historical reality of the Holocaust; UFC president Dana White called those comments "stupid and ignorant." Mitchell later issued an apology saying he had been "insensitive," acknowledged that many people died in the Holocaust and said he was not a Nazi.
Mitchell, 30, is a professional fighter with an 18-3 record who has frequently attracted attention for his outspoken religious and political rhetoric. In April, ahead of a fight at UFC 314, he said he had been plagued by "demonic dreams" and sought prayers from supporters; he later lost that bout by submission in the second round.
Kirk, 31, leaves behind a wife and two young children. Authorities have said the shooting occurred during an on-campus event and viral footage of the attack prompted outrage and calls for swift law-enforcement action. The FBI and local authorities were coordinating the search for the suspect and investigating the circumstances of the killing.
Mitchell framed his video as a defense of Kirk's faith and free-speech commitments, saying he would not be a coward by remaining silent. He also said, "Muslims love Jesus Christ," and invoked a phrase referring to the "synagogue of Satan." Those comments drew accusations of antisemitism from critics and renewed discussion among political observers about the convergence of extremist rhetoric and public figures with sizable followings.
The incident underscores how the killing of a high-profile conservative activist has reverberated across social and political spheres, prompting both expressions of grief and the amplification of conspiratorial narratives. Mitchell's latest statements were circulated by supporters and detractors alike on social platforms as the investigation into Kirk's murder continued.
There was no immediate public response from the UFC or from Mitchell's representatives to the latest video. Mitchell has been publicly criticized in the past by UFC leadership for remarks that the organization said were inconsistent with its values. Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information about the shooting at Utah Valley University to contact the FBI as the search for the suspect continued.