Security Chief Sues Candace Owens Over Defamation Claims
Overview of the Lawsuit
Brian Harpole, who has served as the chief of security for Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA for many years, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against conservative figure Candace Owens. Harpole alleges that Owens made false statements suggesting he was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate Kirk.
Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit claims that Owens propagated false narratives, asserting that Harpole had met with Army intelligence personnel and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, at Fort Huachuca in Arizona just prior to the assassination to plot the murder. Harpole contends that this meeting never took place and that his travel records confirm he was in Dallas during that time.
Charlie Kirk was tragically shot on September 10, 2025, while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson has been charged with his murder. Harpole's lawsuit indicates that Owens and other conspiracy theorists have suggested that Kirk was betrayed by those close to him, implicating Turning Point USA and alleging government complicity in covering up the incident.
Harpole asserts that these unfounded allegations have severely harmed his reputation, resulted in the loss of significant security contracts, and subjected him to extensive online harassment. He is seeking $75,000 in damages from Owens, her media enterprises, and podcast guest Mitchell Snow.
Key Points of the Lawsuit
- The Allegations: Harpole claims that Owens falsely accused him of conspiring with Army intelligence and Erika Kirk to orchestrate the assassination, which he denies, supported by his travel records.
- Background: Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, during a speech at Utah Valley University, with Tyler Robinson charged in connection with the murder. Harpole has been associated with Kirk and Turning Point USA since 2018.
- Harpole's Claims: The lawsuit states that Owens and others have promoted conspiracy theories that Kirk was betrayed, implicating Turning Point USA and suggesting a government cover-up, which Harpole claims has damaged his reputation and led to client losses and harassment.
- Owens' Response: In a podcast episode titled “Brian Harpole Sues Me!”, Owens responded to the lawsuit, stating it grants her the ability to issue subpoenas and criticized Harpole for not seeking a retraction first. She argued that opinions about security performance cannot be grounds for a lawsuit.
- Lawsuit Specifics: Harpole is pursuing legal action against Owens, her media companies, and Mitchell Snow for defamation, invasion of privacy, and civil conspiracy.
Owens' Reaction
Owens reiterated her stance on her podcast, emphasizing that the lawsuit allows her to access subpoenas and criticized Harpole for not requesting a retraction beforehand. She stated, “You never issued any sort of retraction demand. You never answered me when I reached out,” and maintained that opinions regarding someone's security performance are subjective and not actionable in court.
Harpole has been affiliated with Kirk and Turning Point USA since 2018, and the case is now set to proceed in court.