‘One Mistake And You're Dead’: Elon Musk On His Changed Outlook After Charlie Kirk’s Killing

Last Updated:December 11, 2025, 12:55 IST

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck on September 10, allegedly by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

Elon Musk (Getty Images)

Billionaire Elon Musk opened up about the profound impact of the broad-daylight murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, saying, “One mistake, you’re dead." Musk described the incident as a life-altering moment that reshaped how he approaches risk and decision-making.

Speaking on The Katie Miller Podcast, the Tesla CEO said, “These days, particularly in light of Charlie Kirk’s murder, there are serious security issues."

“It’s not that I don’t want to, I simply can’t," he added.

Speaking about whether Charlie Kirk’s murder has changed how he does things, Musk said, “It certainly reinforced the severity of the situation where life is on hardcore mode. You make one mistake and you’re dead."

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck on September 10, allegedly by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. Authorities reported that Robinson fired a single shot from a nearby rooftop while Kirk was speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University.

They found a bolt-action .30-06 rifle and ammunition with unusual inscriptions, including taunts, gaming-style symbols, and references to the Italian resistance song “Bella Ciao."

Robinson has been charged with first-degree murder and, if convicted, could face the death penalty by firing squad.

Earlier on September 21, Musk attended Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona, where he described the conservative figure as a forceful communicator whose “message made a difference."

The billionaire has constantly, condemned online celebrations of Kirk’s death. He described online celebrations of the murder as “evil" and accused those praising the attack of supporting “cold-blooded murder." He also warned, “Either we fight back, or they will kill us."

In another exchange, Musk said that if people were not allowed to live peacefully, the choice would eventually become “fight or die."

News world ‘One Mistake And You're Dead’: Elon Musk On His Changed Outlook After Charlie Kirk’s Killing

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