Charlie Kirk Assassination: Old, Unrelated Videos Shared to Show Conservative Activist’s Shooter

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot and killed at a Utah college event on Wednesday. Soon after, multiple videos began circulating online, allegedly capturing the shooter either running from the scene or being arrested by police.

Newschecker investigated two such viral videos and found them to be misattributed and unrelated to the incident.

Also Read: Video From Indonesia Falsely Linked To Gen-Z Protest In Nepal

• A reverse image search of keyframes from the viral clip led us to an X post by @atensnut dated July 29, 2025, which carried the same footage. The post stated: “Shooting at Casino in Reno, Nevada. Several people shot and some fatally. Video of suspect running away. He is now in custody.”
  
  This confirms the video predates Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

• Further, a keyword search led us to an Instagram post by KRNV News 4, dated July 30, 2025. It reported that the viral clip was verified by the Sparks Police Department as showing the suspect in the Reno Grand Sierra Resort shooting, which left six people injured.

• The location seen in the viral video was also successfully geo-located to Reno, Nevada, further verifying it is unrelated to Kirk’s assassination.

Video 2

• Another viral video claimed to show Charlie Kirk’s shooter being arrested. However, a reverse image search of the footage led us to an X post by @TonyLaneNV dated June 26, 2025, stating: “The man suspected of shooting a Santa Monica police officer has been arrested…”
  
  This clearly predates Kirk’s assassination.

• The same video was also featured in an Instagram post by Fox 11 LA, dated June 26, 2025, stating that it shows the accused in the Santa Monica shooting incident. 
• A different version of the video was shared by NBC Los Angeles on June 25, 2025.

• According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, suspect David John Hairston was charged with attempting to murder Santa Monica police officer Lucas Palmeira on June 25, 2025, and also with injuring two minors in a separate shooting on June 22.

Also Read: Video From Sikkim Shared As People In Nepal Supporting PM Modi

Q1.Do viral videos actually show Charlie Kirk’s shooter?
 The viral videos claiming to show him are old and unrelated.

Q2. Where did the first viral video actually come from?
 It shows a suspect fleeing after the Reno Grand Sierra Resort shooting in July 2025.

Q3. What does the second viral video depict?
It shows the arrest of David John Hairston for a June 2025 Santa Monica shooting, not connected to Kirk’s death.

Q4. Why are old videos linked to current events?
 Old clips are often misused to exploit trending topics and mislead viewers for clicks or propaganda.

Sources
Instagram post by KRNV News 4, Dated July 30, 2025
Google Maps
Instagram Post By Fox 11 LA, Dated June 26, 2025
Report By NBC Los Angeles, Dated June 25, 2025