Toronto Man Denies Involvement in Murder of Influencer Kirk

UPDATE: A retired man from Toronto, Michael Mallinson, is urgently fighting against a wave of viral misinformation that falsely links him to the murder of U.S. influencer Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead on July 12, 2023, at a college event in Utah. Despite having never met Kirk, Mallinson’s name has become entangled in this “heinous crime,” leading to a distressing surge of online hate against him and his family.

Mallinson, 77 years old, was shocked to learn of his newfound notoriety after a phone call from his daughter urged him to delete his social media accounts immediately. “I just felt shocked and in horror,” he recounted in a phone interview. “I wasn’t quite believing it.”

The frenzy began when a fabricated news account misidentified him as a suspect in Kirk’s assassination, claiming he was a Utah Democrat involved in the shooting. Mallinson expressed bewilderment, saying, “We’re both old, we’re both bald, we’re both spectacled, but otherwise I don’t think we look alike at all.”

As a manhunt continues for Kirk’s actual assailant, authorities have recovered a high-powered rifle believed to be used in the attack. Investigators are searching for a suspect who blended into the campus crowd, described as “college-age.”

The slaying of the 31-year-old Kirk, a prominent ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has sparked widespread outrage, including condolences from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and strong condemnation from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

In the aftermath of the false accusations, Mallinson and his family have faced an onslaught of online abuse. Hate messages directed at him and his daughter have exacerbated their distress. “It’s a pain having to explain it,” Mallinson shared, noting that he has lost connections by deleting his social media accounts.

In retirement, Mallinson co-founded the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association, connecting with friends around the globe. As the misinformation continues to spread, he is striving to clarify his innocence to loved ones. “I’m hoping it’s going to blow over,” he stated, but as of now, his face remains associated with the false narrative.

With posts linking him to Kirk’s death still circulating on social media, Mallinson has decided not to contact the platforms to remove the misinformation. Instead, he aims to counter the narrative by spreading the truth as widely as possible.

The investigation into Kirk’s murder remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. As this story develops, the impact of misinformation on innocent lives is becoming increasingly clear. Mallinson’s plea for truth highlights the urgent need for accountability in the age of viral fake news.