Video: Elon Musk suddenly posted a slow-motion video showing the bullet bouncing off Charlie Kirk’s bullet-proof vest and hitting him in the neck, and made a shocking statement to authorities.
On September 11, 2025, tech mogul and X founder Elon Musk shocked the world by posting a slow-motion video on his platform showing a disturbing incident: a bullet ricocheting off the bulletproof vest worn by Charlie Kirk, a well-known political commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, and striking him in the neck. The video, which quickly went viral, sparked a wave of reactions on social media, raising questions about security, the purpose of the incident, and Musk’s role in disseminating the footage. Along with the video, Musk issued a strongly worded statement to authorities, demanding a comprehensive investigation into what he described as an “unacceptable act of violence.” This event has intensified the debate about the safety of public figures and the use of digital platforms to expose such incidents.
The 15-second video captures a tense moment: Kirk is visibly shaken in an outdoor setting, possibly at a public event. The bullet, fired from an unknown source, hits his bullet-proof vest and ricochets off his neck, leaving a visible mark but causing no serious injury. The slow-motion quality of the video, likely enhanced by artificial intelligence, allows for a detailed view of the bullet’s trajectory and Kirk’s reaction. Musk’s post, accompanied by a brief but poignant message, has sparked speculation about how he obtained the footage and why he decided to share it with his millions of followers on X.
In his statement, Musk not only condemned the incident but urged authorities to take immediate action to identify the perpetrator. “Violence against anyone, regardless of their beliefs, cannot be tolerated,” he wrote. “I call on authorities to fully investigate this attack and ensure justice.” The statement, while clear, sparked widespread controversy, with some social media users believing Musk was exploiting his platform to amplify the incident for political purposes, while others praised him for exposing an act that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Musk’s relationship with Kirk, both prominent figures in conservative circles, has added to the speculation about the motivations behind the post.
The context of the incident remains unclear. According to sources close to Kirk, the incident occurred during a recent public appearance, although the exact location and circumstances have not been determined. The safety of public figures like Kirk, who often face criticism for their political stances, has become a recurring issue in recent years. The use of a bulletproof vest suggests Kirk was already taking precautions against potential threats, but the bullet wound to his neck highlighted the risks to which such figures may be exposed. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, sparking online conspiracy theories ranging from a planned attack to a plot to attract media attention.
Musk’s decision to release the video has sparked renewed debate about X’s role as a platform for disseminating sensitive information. Since taking over the social network, Musk has promoted a “free speech” approach, allowing controversial content to be shared. However, some quarters have criticized this move, arguing that posting a video of a violent act without full context could incite panic or spread misinformation. Musk’s defenders, on the other hand, argue that his transparency in presenting the incident is a step toward greater accountability and a means of pressuring authorities to act swiftly.
Reactions to the X video were mixed. Some users expressed concern for Kirk’s safety and praised Musk for shedding light on the incident, while others questioned the video’s authenticity, suggesting it may have been manipulated using artificial intelligence, a technology Musk has promoted through his company, xAI. Cybersecurity experts noted that while the video appears authentic, the lack of verified information about its source leaves room for speculation. Meanwhile, Kirk has not publicly commented on the video, further fueling the uncertainty.
This incident adds to a series of recent controversies surrounding Musk, who has been in the public eye for his actions at X and his political statements. His decision to release the video and issue a direct statement to authorities reflects his willingness to use his influence to shape public discourse. As the investigation continues, the world is closely watching how this incident may impact political discourse and perceptions of safety at public events.