Dan Bongino Defends Erika Kirk in Scathing Rant: 'Lunatics'

The former FBI deputy lashed out at those harassing the widow of slain MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Former FBI deputy Dan Bongino unleashed a profanity-filled rant against people harassing Erika Kirk, the widow of slain MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk, who was murdered in September 2025. Bongino's outburst came after right-wing commentator Candace Owens debuted a new investigative series pushing conspiracy theories about Charlie's killing, including one that accused Erika of involvement. Bongino, who was the FBI Deputy Director during the investigation into Charlie's murder, has frequently used his platform to support Erika as she navigates her new role as a grieving widow and leader of Turning Point USA.

Why it matters

The harassment of Erika Kirk highlights the divisive and toxic nature of the current political climate, where even the widow of a prominent conservative figure is not spared from unfounded accusations and cruelty from those within her own ideological camp. This case underscores the need for more civility, empathy and respect, even in the face of tragedy and political differences.

The details

In his rant, Bongino called the conspiracy theories about Erika's involvement in her husband's assassination 'the sickest thing' he'd seen in 'a long time.' He stressed that a divide in the MAGA base is 'unsustainable' and that 'no movement can survive this.' Bongino expressed sympathy for Erika, saying he 'can't imagine' what it must be like for her to have to deal with these attacks on top of her husband's murder.

  • Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025 while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
  • Candace Owens debuted her new investigative series 'Bride of Charlie' shortly before Bongino's rant.

The players

Dan Bongino

A former FBI deputy director who has frequently used his platform to support Erika Kirk following her husband's assassination.

Erika Kirk

The widow of slain MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk, who has been the target of harassment and conspiracy theories following her husband's murder.

Candace Owens

A right-wing commentator who debuted an investigative series pushing conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk's killing, including one that accused Erika of involvement.

Charlie Kirk

A prominent MAGA influencer who was assassinated in September 2025 while speaking at an event in Utah.

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What they’re saying

“We have to excise this cancer. No movement can survive this.”

— Dan Bongino, Former FBI Deputy Director

“Erika, I didn't choose this, man. She didn't choose this. Imagine sitting there and you find out from Twitter or, I don't know, text or a phone call or that your husband was just shot in the neck for the entire world to see on social media at a public event. I can't imagine that. I know you can't either.”

— Dan Bongino, Former FBI Deputy Director

“Then you gotta go through this? Then you got a bunch of absolute f------ lunatics, sending her emails: 'You did it.' Comments, tweets? F-- you! F--- you! Go f--- yourself, you demonic f------ scum.”

— Dan Bongino, Former FBI Deputy Director

What’s next

The investigation into Charlie Kirk's assassination is ongoing, and Erika Kirk has demanded a speedy trial for her husband's alleged killer.

The takeaway

This case highlights the toxic and divisive nature of the current political climate, where even the widow of a prominent conservative figure is not spared from unfounded accusations and cruelty from those within her own ideological camp. It underscores the urgent need for more civility, empathy and respect, even in the face of tragedy and political differences.