Story perspectives

Activist Charlie Kirk Killed; Misinformation Fuels Online Harassment

9/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Michaela, a transgender woman, faced online harassment after being wrongly identified as the shooter, despite confirming her location in Washington during the incident.
Misinformation linked her image to the shooting due to a misidentified social media post.
The FBI is investigating, having found the presumed murder weapon and released images of a person of interest.
In Canada, Michael Mallinson experienced similar harassment after being misidentified online.

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Story summary

Political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Michaela, a transgender woman, faced online harassment after being wrongly identified as the shooter, despite confirming her location in Washington during the incident.
Misinformation linked her image to the shooting due to a misidentified social media post.
The FBI is investigating, having found the presumed murder weapon and released images of a person of interest.
In Canada, Michael Mallinson experienced similar harassment after being misidentified online.