Ex-Charlie Kirk Security Chief Sues Candace Owens for Defamation
Brian Harpole, former security chief for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has sued Candace Owens for defamation over claims she made regarding Kirk's 2025 assassination. Harpole alleges that Owens spread false conspiracy theories accusing him of involvement in the assassination, damaging his personal and professional reputation. The lawsuit follows Owens's public comments and social media posts questioning Harpole's actions and credibility in the aftermath of the shooting.
- ▪Brian Harpole served as Charlie Kirk’s security detail on the day Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University in September 2025.
- ▪The lawsuit accuses Candace Owens of spreading baseless conspiracy theories, including claims that Harpole had a classified meeting at Fort Huachuca ahead of the assassination, which his travel records disprove.
- ▪Harpole alleges Owens’s statements caused emotional distress, reputational harm, and lost business opportunities, and that her claims are not protected opinion or hyperbole.
- ▪Owens responded to the lawsuit by asserting her right to investigate using subpoena power and criticized Harpole for not engaging with her prior to filing suit.
- ▪Tyler Robinson was arrested and charged with aggravated murder and related offenses after allegedly confessing to Kirk’s assassination.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Andrew StantonWeekend Staff WriterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Brian Harpole, who served as Charlie Kirk’s security chief, sued conservative activist Candace Owens for defamation, according to a new complaint filed on Thursday.Kirk was assassinated during an appearance at Utah Valley University in September 2025, a major escalation of political violence at a time of growing polarization. Owens, who was friends with Kirk, has been accused of spreading conspiracy theories about his death in the months that followed as she has feuded with others close to the late activist, including his wife, Erika Kirk.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Newsweek.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Newsweek
