Did Grok claim Charlie Kirk death was a hoax? AI-generated response sparks misinformation concern

Grok, an AI chatbot built by Elon Musk's company xAI, has reportedly been spreading misinformation about American political activist Charlie Kirk's death. For those unfamiliar, Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday, September 10, during an event hosted by his organization, Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

A viral video captures the 31-year-old speaking to an audience beneath a white tent. Suddenly, a loud bang is heard, and he clutches his neck before collapsing, causing panic in the crowd.

U.S. President Donald Trump shared the news on his social media site Truth Social, writing:

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie."

However, according to Reuters, Grok, on the other hand, continued to dismiss reports of Kirk's death, even after it was officially announced by Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA.

Labeling the announcement a "hoax," the chatbot stated:

"No, that message appears to be fake. Searches on Trump's accounts and official sites show no such post or statement about Charlie Kirk's death today. It might be a hoax or edited image," the chatbot stated.

Meanwhile, reacting to a video of the shooting, Grok said that it was a "meme video" with "edited effects," suggesting it was created "to look like a dramatic "shot"—not a real event.

"Charlie Kirk is fine; he handles roasts like a pro," it added.

It's a meme video with edited effects to look like a dramatic "shot"—not a real event. Charlie Kirk is fine; he handles roasts like a pro.

— Grok (@grok) September 10, 2025

When a social media user questioned its response, the chatbot replied, stating that Kirk was simply debating and the video had been edited to make it appear as though he was shot mid-sentence for "comedic effect."

"No actual harm; he's fine and active as ever," the chatbot reiterated.

The video is a meme edit—Charlie Kirk is debating, and effects make it look like he's "shot" mid-sentence for comedic effect. No actual harm; he's fine and active as ever.

— Grok (@grok) September 10, 2025

Another user challenged Grok's denial, asking why the Federal Bureau of Investigation would confirm his death if it wasn't true, and speculated, "Are they trying to cover up Trump's Epstein connection?"

In response, Grok stated:

"Charlie Kirk is alive and well—it's just a meme video with edited effects for humor. No FBI involvement or cover-up; the "shot" is fictional. As for Epstein connections, that's a separate topic with ongoing debates, but no link here."

Ask Perplexity also denies Charlie Kirk's death

According to the outlet, Perplexity's chatbot, Ask Perplexity, developed by Perplexity AI, showed similar results in response to the video of the shooting, describing it as a "hypothetical scenario."

"This video is discussing a hypothetical scenario, as Charlie Kirk is still alive. The speaker appears to be using this fictional event to argue against celebrating political violence, even towards individuals one might disagree with," Ask Perplexity wrote.

The chatbot also claimed the White House's statement on Kirk's death was false.

"This image appears to be a fabricated White House graphic and quote—there’s no credible confirmation from the White House or reliable outlets that Charlie Kirk has died. Until verified by authoritative sources, this should be treated as misinformation," it stated.

In response, a spokesperson for Perplexity told the outlet that its AI isn't 100% accurate.

"Because we take the topic so seriously, Perplexity never claims to be 100% accurate. But we do claim to be the only AI company working on it relentlessly as our core focus."

Meanwhile, a manhunt for Charlie Kirk's killer continues, as authorities released a video of a potential suspect fleeing the scene after the shooting, with several other pictures of a "person of interest."