Tucker Carlson accused of stoking antisemitic conspiracy theory about Charlie Kirk murder at memorial service

Tucker Carlson faces backlash from Jewish organizations and Israeli media for allegedly promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories surrounding the murder of Charlie Kirk.

The conservative commentator, formerly of Fox News, made remarks referencing the death of Jesus during a speech at the memorial service for Kirk on Sunday, which drew comparisons between Kirk and Jesus.

“About 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem, Jesus arrives and talks about those in power, doing the most unacceptable thing — speaking the truth about them, which drives them wild,” Carlson described to the large audience at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, gathered to honor Kirk’s life.

“The backlash is intense, and they are obsessed with silencing him: ‘This person needs to stop speaking. We need to shut him down,’” he continued.

“I can imagine a dimly lit room filled with people over hummus, discussing, ‘What do we do about this guy exposing the truth about us? He must be silenced.’ And there’s always that one person with an outrageous idea, saying, ‘Why not just kill him? That’ll set things right,’” he added, laughing.

“It’s not that simple. It doesn’t work like that,” Carlson concluded.

His comments led to outrage from various Jewish organizations and Israeli commentators who accused him of invoking medieval “blood libel” narratives that implicate Jews in the death of Christ.

Critics have noted that his reference to hummus, not available 2,000 years ago, seemed to be a deliberate nod to contemporary Israeli culture.

“With a laugh reminiscent of a cartoon villain, Tucker Carlson weaponizes Charlie Kirk’s memorial to disseminate an antisemitic blood libel,” former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy stated on X.

“By implying that the Pharisees were ‘sitting around eating hummus’ while plotting Christ’s execution — then drawing parallels to those allegedly silencing Charlie Kirk — Carlson insinuates that Jews had a hand in Kirk’s murder just as they did with Christ,” wrote Infowars host Adam King on X.

“Yet again, Carlson finds a way to associate Jewish people with the murder of Charlie Kirk. No matter the situation, there’s always someone ready to place the blame on Jews,” Compact Magazine editor Matthew Schmitz tweeted.

“Using the funeral of Charlie Kirk, a fervent supporter of Israel and the Jewish community, to spread antisemitic blood libels is unacceptable,” stated Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the pro-Israel organization Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, on X.

“Once known for his debates, Tucker is now infamous for hinting at antisemitism, blaming Jews for every issue, praising historical distortionists, apologizing to the Bin Laden family, denying Hamas is a terrorist group, siding with Islamist extremists, and misleadingly presenting the living standards of Russians vs. Americans,” Republican political scientist Max Abrahms commented on X.

Carlson’s remarks received further attention from Palestinian media, particularly the Quds News Network.

“Tucker Carlson hints at Israeli involvement in Charlie Kirk’s death during the memorial hosted by TPUSA,” the network reported on X, sharing a video clip.

Stay informed on the circumstances surrounding the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

• Erika Kirk extends forgiveness to the individual who killed her husband, Charlie: ‘He aimed to support young men — just like the one who took his life.’
• Charlie Kirk’s enduring legacy showcases grace over hatred; his courage is essential for America.
• Trump honors Charlie Kirk as one of ‘America’s greatest patriots’ in a passionate address at the memorial.
• Charlie Kirk’s funeral reaches maximum capacity with 200,000 attendees — President Trump and widow Erika recall his legacy as a ‘patriot.’

Far-right influencers in the United States, like Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes, have also propagated theories suggesting Israel’s involvement in Kirk’s assassination on September 10.

Carlson’s representatives have not yet responded to inquiries for comment.

During Sunday’s event, Carlson shared the stage with President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several other notable Republicans.

Notable Jewish figures who spoke at the memorial included Stephen Miller and Laura Loomer.