First Charlie Kirk — Are Candace Owens Or Ben Shapiro Next? Fears Grow For Conservative Influencers

A shocking act of violence has forced a reckoning: with Charlie Kirk shot dead during a public event, questions are mounting over whether other high-profile conservative voices might be at increasing risk.

On Wednesday, 10 September 2025, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, an influential conservative commentator and youth activist, was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death has sparked fears among many that similarly outspoken conservative figures, especially those engaging in frequent public debate and provocation, could become targets. Candace Owens and Ben Shapiro are regularly mentioned in that shadow.

Who Are Candace Owens And Ben Shapiro — And What They Say

Candace Owens is a Black conservative commentator who rose to prominence around 2017 and beyond, known for her criticism of movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, promoting conservative culture war themes and for advocating that Black Americans reconsider long-standing allegiances to the Democratic Party (for example, via her 'Blexit' initiative).

Ben Shapiro, on the other hand, is a Jewish American conservative pundit, lawyer by training, author, podcast and media-company founder (co-founder of The Daily Wire), and known for his rapid-fire debate style, strong positions on free speech, support for Israel, opposition to many progressive cultural policies, among other issues.

Both Owens and Shapiro frequently address contentious social, cultural and political issues, such as race, identity politics, free speech, moral values, U.S. foreign policy (especially regarding Israel) and gender issues. They are adept at generating controversy and traction through social media and live events. Their audiences are large and engaged, often polarised.

Intensity of Hostility

Both Owens and Shapiro have long been subjected to intense online hostility. Owens has been accused of making antisemitic comments, especially with respect to her critiques of Israel, and has been denounced by both Jewish and non-Jewish critics for remarks considered by some to veer into antisemitic tropes. In response, she has defended herself, claiming criticism is often mischaracterisation.

Shapiro similarly draws fire from the left and parts of the right. His defenders emphasise his 'facts don't care about your feelings' style; his critics argue he is prone to cherry-picking, demonising opponents, or using controversial rhetorical choices. He is often engaged in heated debates, both online and live, which makes him a frequent target for backlash, insults and accusations of extremism, depending on the issue and context.

How Often They Debate Publicly

Kirk had been known for touring college campuses, holding public events where he engaged in 'Prove Me Wrong'-style interactions and debates, often with students or locals, generating both loyalty and virulent opposition.

Ben Shapiro is also heavily involved in public debate. His show, The Ben Shapiro Show, is a daily podcast that often features interviews, guest debates and live or recorded confrontations. He also features frequently in public debate series, confrontations, campus speaking events and viral debate formats like the Jubilee 'Surrounded' series.

Candace Owens does engage in public speaking and debate, though somewhat less on structured live debate series in recent years. She has challenged Ben Shapiro publicly to a debate over Israel and antisemitism, and Shapiro has accepted in public terms.

The frequency of her engagements appears lower than Shapiro's in terms of daily or weekly programmes and debate events, but her commentary, appearances on social media, media interviews, podcasts and culture war arena remain prolific.

The concern now is not mere criticism, but physical safety. Charlie Kirk's killing has underscored the latent danger inherent in being a polarised public figure who provokes strong feelings. In the wake of his assassination, many conservatives are asking: if someone so well known and heavily guarded can be targeted, what about others?

Broader Implications

Scholars of political violence warn that in recent years, there has been a growth in politically motivated attacks, particularly when figures are polarising, vocal and widely visible. The killing of Charlie Kirk has already prompted bipartisan condemnation and demands for an investigation.

No one can say for certain whether Candace Owens or Ben Shapiro will be next, but Charlie Kirk's death has shattered the illusion that vocal conservatives are immune to the extremes of political violence.