Charlie Kirk, the influential founder of Turning Point USA, became the subject of a macabre narrative when a Jezebel article discussing the purchase of spells aimed at him surfaced just two days prior to his assassination on Wednesday. The Jezebel report, published on Monday, brought to light that specific spells, including "MAKE EVERYONE HATE HIM" and a "POWERFUL HEX SPELL," were acquired via Etsy with Kirk as the intended target, which has since resulted in a storm of controversy.
The piece, which has now garnered intense scrutiny, was seen as a form of retribution for Kirk's conservative activism. The author provocatively asked readers if they were "interested in punishing Kirk for the years of regressive rhetoric," suggesting that witchcraft might be a viable means of achieving this. Turning Point USA, an organization known for its conservative-leaning educational efforts among young voters, was also disparaged in the article, described as a conduit for "far-right propaganda."
Jezebel's narrative was not limited to the procurement of the spells; it detailed the spell-casting process, including astrological timing and additional "spell boosters." One practitioner was reported to have requested Kirk’s birth date to enhance the "accuracy" of the hex. Furthermore, a connection was drawn to a petition from Utah State University aimed at preventing Kirk from speaking on campus, with insinuations that the spells' potency could be validated through such events.
The aftermath of Kirk's untimely death saw Jezebel maintain the article online but with an added note expressing their denunciation of the violent act, emphasizing a disassociation with political violence. Notably, the article's byline, originally attributed to Claire Guinan, was removed.
The online backlash was immediate and severe. Conservative voices, in particular, criticized the outlet for what they perceived as an endorsement, however indirect, of harmful intentions toward a public figure. Accusations that the media holds responsibility for the incident were rampant, with users on social media asserting that even the metaphorical invocation of spiritual warfare could have real-world repercussions.
Charlie Kirk was widely respected for his contributions as an educator, speaker, and mentor within the Christian and conservative communities, and his passing leaves a notable void. The circumstances leading up to his assassination have now become a focal point for examining the limits of acceptable political commentary and the potential for media content to influence or inspire acts of violence.
