Pat McAfee Receives Assassination Threat Referencing Charlie Kirk's Death

ESPN host Pat McAfee disclosed on his show Monday that he received a severe assassination threat online, which referenced the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The social media post, which has since been deleted, stated, "If someone kirked him live during his show it would be a top 3 moment in the history of mankind." McAfee questioned the meaning of the term "kirked" on air, expressing his hope that such an event would not occur.

McAfee shared a screenshot of the comment, which appeared to be a response to his earlier praise for the Indianapolis Colts during their overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He commented on the nature of online discourse, noting that some users make extreme statements and attribute them to him.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old and speaking to an audience of approximately 3,000 people as part of his organization's American Comeback Tour.

Recently, a new legal filing by Kirk's family has come to light. The filing alleges a "series of stunning failures and reckless decisions" by authorities in the lead-up to Kirk's assassination. According to the notice of claim, the Utah Valley University police chief had assured Turning Point USA organizers that he would handle security concerns, including those raised about a rooftop, before Kirk was fatally shot from the building.

Kirk's family intends to sue multiple Utah authorities in connection with his death. Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children.