The tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University sparked numerous conspiracy theories, one of which focused on the direction Kirk’s head tilted immediately after being shot. Some conspiracy theorists claimed that because Kirk’s head tilted to the right, the shooter must have been standing directly on his right side.
Jesús Enrique Rosas, a well-known body language and persuasion analyst, recently addressed this claim in a thorough video analysis. Rosas explained that while it might seem logical for a head to tilt toward the side of a wound, human bodies can react unpredictably to extreme trauma such as a gunshot. Specifically, if the bullet had entered Kirk’s neck from the right side, one would expect his head to tilt left—toward the wound—following a typical neuro-muscular response.
The fact that Kirk’s head tilted right, away from the presumed wound, suggests the impact came from a different angle, likely the left or directly in front. This contradicts the most popular theory that the shooter was positioned on Kirk’s right side. Rosas emphasized the importance of understanding trauma-induced body responses as complex and sometimes counterintuitive, rather than simple indicators of physical reality.
Further reinforcing this scientific perspective, neuropsychologist Derek Van Schaik explained Kirk’s mental state in the immediate aftermath of being shot. According to Van Schaik, because Kirk suffered catastrophic trauma destroying major neck arteries, his brain only remained conscious for about 0.4 seconds after the impact—far too short for him to cognitively register what had happened. This brief window means Kirk was effectively unaware of the gunshot’s impact.
Kirk’s movements after being shot—including raising his arms towards his neck before collapsing—were speculated by some to be decorticate posturing, a neurological response indicating severe brain injury. However, Van Schaik clarified that such posturing requires damage to higher brain areas, which was inconsistent with the rapid loss of consciousness Kirk experienced.
This expert analysis aims to refute misinterpretations spreading online and reminds viewers that trauma reactions defy simple explanations. The head tilt seen in the footage cannot reliably pinpoint the shooter’s location. It highlights how conspiracy theories often arise when people try to make sense of chaotic, painful events but must be critically examined against scientific insights.
As the investigation into Kirk’s murder continues, these analyses provide clarity, helping to cut through unfounded claims and focus on credible evidence and testimony.
