Conspirituality 276: Inventing Saint Charlie Kirk
Sep 25, 2025
The podcast dives into the murder of Charlie Kirk, exploring the rapid right-wing framing surrounding his death. It examines his controversial shift from secular activism to Christian nationalism and the rhetoric at vigils. The hosts discuss the impact of meme culture and online nihilism on political motives, while critiquing the exploitation of his death by wellness influencers. They also tackle the broader implications of Kirk's influence and the reactions from liberal commentators, highlighting the complex interplay of power, media, and political narratives.
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Immediate Political Framing
- Right-wing pundits instantly framed Charlie Kirk's murder as left-wing political violence despite unclear motive.
- That rush amplified calls for crackdowns, censorship, and authoritarian responses.
Muddy Motive Signals
- Initial evidence about the shooter (engraved shell casings, social posts) produced contradictory motive theories.
- The narrative shifted from anti-fascist to nihilistic meme culture and potential far-right ties as details emerged.
Undercover Vigil Reporting
- Heyitztwig went undercover at a Neptune Beach vigil and recorded incendiary, religious rhetoric celebrating Kirk as martyr.
- She was subsequently doxed and threatened for posting those clips online.
