EXCLUSIVE: How Charlie Kirk Could Have Lived — Right-Wing Idol Ignored Celebrity Bodyguard’s Warning He Was ‘100 Percent’ Doomed to be Assassinated at One of His Rallies
Charlie Kirk ignored a celebrity bodyguard’s warning he was doomed to be assassinated at a rally.
Sept. 12 2025, Published 5:17 p.m. ET
Charlie Kirk could have survived his assassination had he heeded the safety warnings of a top celebrity bodyguard just months before the attack, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
Kris Herzog, a seasoned security expert who has worked with high-profile clients such as Kim Kardashian and Sharon Stone, predicted conservative pin-up Kirk, 31, would "100 percent" be killed at one of his rallies if he did not take drastic security measures – warnings the Turning Point USA founder fatally ignored.
Expert Says Anti-Sniper Measures Could Save Kirk
Bodyguard warned Kirk he'd be killed without tighter security.
Kirk was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday, September 10, while addressing a crowd of 3,000 people at Utah Valley University.
As he spoke about mass shootings, the conservative activist fell victim to a sniper's bullet, his death sparking widespread outrage and speculation.
Herzog, who met with Kirk during a March 6 rally at California State University, had warned the political figure his security set-up was inadequate and he was at grave risk.
The bodyguard said if Kirk had followed his recommendations, including enhanced security and anti-sniper precautions, he could still be alive today.
"He promised to get back to me, but he never did," Herzog said. And months later his prediction of Kirk's murder came true.
Kirk Ignored Pleas For Stronger Protection
Kirk ignored advice to install anti-sniper glass at rallies.
Herzog had warned Kirk without proper security measures, he was a prime target.
"I told him he was 100 percent going to be killed at one of his upcoming events," Herzog explained, recalling their conversation about the rising danger Kirk faced.
The expert added: "I told him that a sniper would probably go for a headshot, which means it was of critical importance to have the ballistic glass.
We recommended using metal detectors and handheld wands to screen everyone for a gun within 700 hundred feet of where Charlie would be speaking."
Despite Herzog's recommendations, Kirk's security remained shockingly minimal until the time of his death.
Authorities on the ground were ill-prepared for the level of threat that ultimately unfolded.
Police Chief Admits Security Failures After Attack
Police chief admitted his team failed to secure Kirk's rally.
"It felt off," said one witness, Tyler McGettigan, who attended the rally and described the lack of any standard security measures.
"I was expecting to go through some kind of checkpoint, but nothing happened. I just walked in."
Herzog's security firm, The Bodyguard Group of Beverly Hills, had also recommended using metal detectors and handheld wands to screen for weapons in the crowd.
But none of these precautions were in place.
"We had real concerns," said Herzog's colleague, Mark Wilson, who was also at the March rally.
"We knew he was mixing with some unpredictable characters, and it seemed like he wasn't taking the threat seriously. It's tragic that we're here now, talking about this after what happened."
Even more alarmingly, Kirk's personal security team failed to address the concerns. Although there were some plainclothes officers in the crowd, only six officers were assigned to secure the event.
University Police Chief Jeff Long admitted the event's security measures were insufficient.
"We trained for these things. You think you have everything covered, but when something like this happens, you realize we didn't," Long said during a press conference.
"Unfortunately, today, we didn't have it covered, and because of that, we had this tragic incident."
Trump Confirms Suspect Turned In by Father
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Trump announced cops arrested a suspect after a tip.
Witnesses to the shooting have said the lack of security was palpable. "There were no bag checks, no metal detectors – nothing," said Raydon Dechene, another attendee. "It felt off, like they didn't expect anything like this to happen."
The shortcomings have now come under intense scrutiny as the investigation into Kirk's assassination continues.
The shooter is believed to have fired from a nearby rooftop. Witnesses described seeing a figure fleeing the scene moments after the shot rang out. Utah Governor Spencer Cox suggested the murderer could face the death penalty.
On Thursday, Donald Trump announced a suspect in Kirk's assassination, Tyler Robinson, 22, had been taken into custody – after being turned in by his dad.
The President was appearing live on Fox & Friends where he said cops have a "high degree of certainty" they have the "person they are looking for".
Though the investigation is ongoing, experts tell us one thing is clear: had Kirk heeded the warnings of experienced security professionals, he would probably still be alive today.
