Ex-Charlie Kirk security chief sues Candace Owens, alleging defamation

Brian Harpole, who served as Charlie Kirk’s security chief, sued conservative activist Candace Owens, accusing her of defamation, according to a new complaint filed on Thursday.Kirk was assassinated during an appearance at Utah Valley University in September, a major escalation of political violence at a time of growing polarization. Owens, who was friends with Kirk, has been accused of spreading conspiracy theories about his death in the months that followed as she has feuded with others close to the late activist, including his wife, Erika Kirk. The lawsuit is the latest legal challenge for Owens, who has faced other litigation in connection with remarks about French first lady Brigitte Macron.Newsweek reached out to Owens for comment via her media contact form.Candace Owens Defamation Lawsuit: What to KnowThe lawsuit was filed by attorney Matt Sarelson of Dhillon Law Group on behalf of Harpole, who served as Kirk’s security detail the day of the assassination. A complaint filed against Owens accuses her of “falsely accus[ing] Brian Harpole of conspiring to assassinate Charlie Kirk.”The complaint listed several conspiracy theories spread after the shooting, including one accusing Harpole of involvement in a scheme with the U.S. government to assassinate Kirk.“Owens is the most high