Former Counterterrorism Chief Alleges Blocked Investigation into Charlie Kirk's Assassination
Joe Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, has publicly claimed that he was obstructed from investigating the assassination of influential figure Charlie Kirk. Kent announced his resignation on March 17, 2026, stating he could not support the U.S. war with Iran in good conscience. Kirk was shot dead during a public event in Utah on September 10, 2025.
Resignation and Revelations on National Television
In a televised interview on The Tucker Carlson Show following his resignation, Kent asserted that his investigation into Kirk's killing was halted. "But the investigation that I was a part of, the National Counterterrorism Center was a part of, we were stopped from continuing to investigate," he declared. Kent emphasized that numerous unanswered questions persist, including allegations that Kirk faced significant pressure from pro-Israel donors prior to his death.
According to Kent, the FBI sought to transfer the entire case to Utah state authorities, a move he implied hindered a thorough federal inquiry. In his resignation letter, he further argued that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States, contradicting administration justifications for military action.
Final Conversation and Warning Against War
Kent also disclosed details of his last interaction with Charlie Kirk, which he said occurred in the West Wing of the White House. "And he said, 'Joe, stop us from getting into a war with Iran' very loudly," Kent recounted, noting that Kirk then proceeded toward the Oval Office. He highlighted Kirk's role as a key MAGA advocate who vigorously opposed conflict with Iran and urged a reassessment of U.S.-Israel relations.
"So when one of President Trump's closest advisors, who is vocally advocating for us to not go to war with Iran and for us to rethink, at least, our relationship with the Israelis, and then he's suddenly publicly assassinated and we're not allowed to ask any questions about that, it's a data point," Kent added, suggesting a troubling connection.
Political Fallout and Internal Divisions
Kent's resignation has caused significant turmoil within Trump's MAGA coalition, exposing deep divisions over the Iran war. Sources indicate that Trump's team was notified of his intent to resign beforehand, but aides were caught off guard when he published the resignation on official government letterhead. Administration officials reportedly scrambled to downplay Kent's significance in response.
FBI Investigation into Kent's Conduct
In a related development, the FBI has reportedly opened an investigation into Joe Kent, according to four sources. The probe focuses on allegations that he mishandled classified information, with claims that it commenced before his departure from the administration. The Independent has reached out to the FBI for further comment on these allegations.
