Riley Gaines slams TikTokers using Charlie Kirk attack audio: 'These people are devoid of decency'
They claim to be morally superior all while celebrating and laughing at innocent death. It's a joke to them.
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) May 2, 2026
These people are devoid of decency and humanity. Soulless ghouls. https://t.co/zmiAlbxqfj
WASHINGTON, DC: Former collegiate swimmer-turned-activist Riley Gaines has lashed out at social media users participating in a viral TikTok trend that uses audio from the 2025 killing of Charlie Kirk.
Gaines’ comments came in response to a post by journalist Taylor Lorenz, which highlighted a new trend where creators use audio of the fatal shooting for "outfit transformation" videos.
Riley Gaines slams TikTok trend mocking death
In a post on X, Riley Gaines, a close friend of the Kirk family, slammed those participating in the trend for hypocrisy and a total lack of empathy.
"They claim to be morally superior all while celebrating and laughing at innocent death," Gaines wrote. "These people are devoid of decency and humanity. Soulless ghouls."
The trend in question involves users syncing fashion reveals to the sound of the gunshot that killed Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Courtroom camera battle in Charlie Kirk case
While Gaines is demanding respect for Kirk’s memory, legal proceedings for his accused killer, Tyler Robinson, have become a battleground over media transparency.
During a recent court appearance, Robinson’s defense team argued that the "sensationalism" of news coverage, the very environment where these cruel TikTok trends thrive, is harming their client’s right to a fair trial.
They have requested a total ban on cameras and audio recording devices to prevent the jury pool from being tainted by prejudicial coverage. However, prosecutors and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, are fighting to keep cameras in the courtroom.
They argue that public access is the best "antidote" to the conspiracy theories and misinformation spreading online.
Defense seeks delay despite strong prosecution evidence
As the online mockery continues, the path to a legal resolution faces further hurdles, as Robinson’s attorneys have moved to delay his preliminary hearing.
Claiming they are "handcuffed" by incomplete evidence, the defense has asked for a four-month extension, arguing they cannot yet provide an effective defense for Robinson, who faces charges including aggravated murder and witness tampering.
Prosecutors have pushed back, asserting that there is already a "substantial amount" of probable cause, including surveillance footage and witness statements.
They emphasized that further delays would violate Erika Kirk’s right to a speedy trial. Notably, Utah Judge Tony Graf is expected to rule on both the camera ban and the hearing delay on May 8.
