A mystery bearded man, seen appearing to cheer moments after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at a Utah Valley University event, has come forward to defend his actions. Identifying himself as "David" on X, he insists he was not celebrating the violence but rather shouting "USA" to create a distraction that could help "save lives".

David recounted hearing a "sharp crack," initially mistaking it for fireworks before realising it was a firearm. Based on a friend's reaction, he "believed Charlie had been gravely injured". He claims he instinctively checked security movements before standing and shouting. David stated he was only "minimally familiar with Kirk’s content" and "would never wish to celebrate harm to anyone". Later, in an emotional video, he expressed frustration with mockery. The FBI later arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect in Kirk's shooting.