The New York Times published a correction Thursday acknowledging it incorrectly attributed an anti-Semitic statement to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, when the Turning Point USA founder was actually criticizing the comment.
The error appeared in the Times' report examining Kirk's political positions following his assassination Tuesday at Utah Valley University. Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking during his "American Comeback Tour" event.
Despite issuing the correction, the Times maintained its characterization that Kirk "was repeatedly accused of antisemitism, including by fellow conservatives." According to the Times, Kirk was labeled a proponent of "replacement theory" and "accused Jewish philanthropists of fomenting anti-whiteness by supporting liberal antiracism causes like the Black Lives Matter movement."
The Times referenced a 2023 quote from Kirk's show where he reportedly said: "The philosophical foundation of anti-whiteness has been largely financed by Jewish donors in the country."
Kirk was a vocal supporter of Israel and received praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the Times, "Allies of Mr. Kirk often sought to defend him against accusations of antisemitism by citing his support for Israel. Mr. Kirk defended Israel's actions in Gaza."
World leaders issued statements following Kirk's death. President Donald Trump said: "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said: "Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place. We lost an incredible human being. His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact."
Vice President JD Vance stated: "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."
Former President Joe Biden said: "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk's family and loved ones."
Former President Barack Obama commented: "We don't yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy."
The Times also reported Kirk's controversial comments about Islam. According to the newspaper, Kirk called Islam "a danger to the United States," criticizing what he described as the religion's "conquest values" that "seek to take over land and territory."
"America has freedom of religion, of course, but we should be frank," Kirk said in April, according to the Times. "Large dedicated Islamic areas are a threat to America."
According to the Times, Kirk linked Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim, with references to Al Qaeda and the Sept. 11 attacks. Kirk said of Mamdani: "America's largest city was attacked by radical Islam 24 years ago, and now a similar form of that pernicious force is poised to capture city hall."
Kirk's assassination has led to widespread fallout across multiple industries. DC Comics terminated author Gretchen Felker-Martin and canceled the "Red Hood" comic series after inappropriate social media comments about Kirk's death.
The Carolina Panthers fired communications staffer Charlie Rock over social media posts that appeared to question public sympathy for Kirk and shared a Wu-Tang Clan song "Protect Ya Neck," which some interpreted as referencing the deadly neck shot.
Tyler Robinson,22, was arrested Thursday night in connection with Kirk's assassination. Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced Robinson's arrest, stating investigators believe he acted alone. According to Cox, Robinson's family reported he had become "more political in recent years" and criticized Kirk, saying "Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate."