The billionaire revealed the murder of the right-wing activist reinforced the severe security threats public figures face, leading him to limit his own public appearances.
December 11, 2025: Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has revealed that the broad-daylight assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has had a “profound impact” on his life, fundamentally reshaping how he views security and public appearances.
Speaking candidly on The Katie Miller Podcast this week, the Tesla CEO stated that he now actively avoids public events, citing severe and unavoidable security issues.
‘One Mistake, You’re Dead’
Musk expressed that the risk level for public figures has risen dramatically, making life feel “hardcore.”
“These days, particularly in light of Charlie Kirk’s murder, there are serious security issues,” Musk said. He added, “It’s not that I don’t want to [go out], I simply can’t.”
The billionaire emphasized the severity of the situation, noting, “Life is on hardcore mode. You make one mistake and you’re dead.“
The Charlie Kirk Assassination
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while addressing an audience at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Authorities allege that Tyler Robinson, 22, fired a single shot from a nearby rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck. Robinson has been charged with first-degree murder and other counts, facing a potential death penalty by firing squad if convicted.
Musk has been an outspoken supporter of Kirk following the tragedy. He attended Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona on September 21, describing the conservative figure as a forceful communicator whose “message made a difference.” The tech mogul has also consistently condemned online celebrations of the murder, previously calling such reactions “evil” and warning, “Either we fight back, or they will kill us.”
His decision to severely restrict his public movements underscores the heightened concerns among high-profile individuals about political violence and personal safety in the current climate.
