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Candace Owens released a tribute video on September 11, 2025, honoring Charlie Kirk after his death. The video served as a personal eulogy in which Owens sought to shape how the public would remember Kirk, not by the circumstances of his death, but by his character, work, and the values he stood for.
During the stream, more than 150,000 people attempted to watch simultaneously, causing a technical disruption that forced the video stream to pause. Owens later disabled the live chat in an effort to stabilize the broadcast.
In her remarks, Owens described Kirk as a visionary, deeply committed to activism, and someone who believed strongly in hard work even when facing better-funded opponents. She recounted shared experiences from their early days working together, including moments of challenge and persistence, and emphasized a bond between them likened to siblinghood. Despite political disagreements over time, Owens said their relationship remained close.
Owens also stressed that she did not want the public’s final impression of Kirk to be dominated by violence. She condemned the act that took his life and urged listeners to focus instead on his life’s work, the ideals he championed, and the loyalty and strength he displayed under pressure.
The video includes personal anecdotes meant to illustrate Kirk’s personality, sense of humor, and devotion to his mission. Owens expressed grief, not just at his passing, but at the idea that his memory could be shaped by tragedy rather than achievement. Additional remarks in the video included more personal stories meant to show Kirk’s personality beyond his public role. Owens recalled humorous moments, such as when Kirk misidentified a song by a famous artist, and said those moments showed his humility and humanity.
The tribute aims to offer comfort to those grieving, and to encourage followers of Kirk’s and Owens’s circles to carry forward his work. It reflects Owens’s view that Kirk’s legacy should live through his principles: free speech, activism, faith and dedication.
