The Shawn Ryan Show – Episode #254: Brian Harpole – Groundbreaking Evidence From Charlie Kirk’s Head of Security

Date: November 17, 2025
Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Brian Harpole, Head of Security Detail for Charlie Kirk

Episode Overview

In a rare and deeply personal conversation, Brian Harpole, the head of Charlie Kirk’s personal security detail, joins Shawn Ryan just two months after Kirk’s assassination. Harpole breaks his silence to discuss the intense scrutiny his team has faced, separating rumor from reality, and providing critical firsthand insight into the tragedy. The interview covers the security team's procedures, the day of the assassination, conspiracy theories surrounding the event, and the enduring impact on all involved.

Main Themes and Purpose

• Clarifying Misinformation: Harpole addresses the tidal wave of rumors, online conspiracies, and misinformation that have circulated since Kirk’s death.
• Inside Security Operations: A detailed walk-through of executive protection protocols, the planning before the event, Hamprole’s hiring and training methods, and the actual sequence of events on that fateful day.
• Challenging the Narrative: The episode directly engages with outstanding questions popular online—ranging from security “failures” to alleged Mossad involvement and plausible alternative scenarios.
• Personal and Team Impact: Harpole conveys the emotional, reputational, and professional toll the assassination and subsequent fallout have taken on him and his team.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Speak Out Now? (05:38)

• Harpole: “There's so much out there that's not true… if the truth doesn't get out there, it could hurt their, you know, 20 more years of work and that's not fair.”
• The pressure to stand up for his team’s honor and correct misinformation prompted Harpole to break a long silence.

2. Remembering Charlie Kirk (09:26)

• Harpole’s favorite memory: a trip to Japan, sharing relaxed, candid moments over sushi—the rare joy of seeing “just a guy, not Charlie Kirk, the public figure.”

3. Brian Harpole’s Background and Team Building (13:05–26:29)

• Experience: 14 years in Texas law enforcement, specialization in spotting and apprehending “bad guys,” plus significant private security and NGO work—including dangerous missions undercover in cartel territory.
• Team Selection/Training:
  • All candidates must be vouched for by existing team members and undergo rigorous, extended on-the-job training before the entire detail votes to accept them.
  • Ongoing mandatory training: 40 hours minimum annually—most receive 200–400 hours.
  • Quote: “Your past achievements or affiliation are not equal to your current capability.” (25:24)
  • Strong team brotherhood: “When we finish training telling each other they love them and then we leave.” (25:52)
  • Even etiquette and “soft skills” included—“I even brought up etiquette classes that you would bring people on to the range and ask them what fork they're going to use.” (28:44)

4. Refuting Conspiracy Allegations (35:07–38:04)

• No connections to Mossad, Israel, or foreign intelligence:
  • “I've never been to Israel. … We have no ties to Israel or Mossad or any other one. We're Americans, period.” (35:27)
• Surveillance among team members is too close for political infiltration or plotting:
  • “We know what each other does. We know their kids, names and spouses. … those allegations become even more idiotic.” (36:40)
• Certainty: “To my death.” (38:04)

5. Pre-Event Planning and Threat Assessment (38:08–47:01)

• Extensive threat assessment began two weeks prior, with all intelligence, site plans, and emergency responses shared on an app accessible by the entire team.
• No threats or concerns about Israel (or similar foreign entities) were ever reported to the detail or via official agencies—it was “always about angry protesters and direct threats at the event.”
• Venue selection and security limitations largely dictated by external authorities (i.e., UVU campus administration).
• Open event design was Charlie Kirk’s choice to promote open debate, despite security risks.

6. Cooperation With Local Police and Venue Security (50:11–66:04)

• Team sought support and coordination from UVU and Orem Police, including drone coverage and rooftop access—but were rebuffed or inadequately supported by UVU Police.
  • Quote: “Chief Long. … he says, ‘I got you covered.’ What else am I to do when a command level, a person from an accredited police department says, I've got this area?” (59:21)
• Extra security personnel were brought in—“we upped it…based on nothing because it's like, all right, that we're in a kind of a place where we don't want to be.” (61:04)

7. Event Setup and Security Procedures (69:03–81:43)

• Detailed breakdown of concentric security zones, with “hard” and “soft” barriers, multi-role detail members, and reliance on deliberate tactical placement.
• Team in plain clothes for maximum blending—“We're all dressed like, we're just wearing regular clothes. We’re not wearing suits and jackets.” (79:53)
• Rooftop security was assigned to police and dropped from the team’s remit—per direct assurance from the UVU Police Chief.
• Hand and arm gestures were not covert sniper signals—just normal practiced team communication.
  • “That is how you do it. That is how you do it.” (96:41)

8. Timeline of the Assassination (88:12–108:31)

• Shooter utilized a highly specific vantage point on the roof—“That opportunity comes through. Like, this is a big loophole. And so you're telling me you just ran up onto a roof, pop yourself down in a position that was in a loophole?” (90:44)
• Harpole questions whether the shooter had detailed prior knowledge or guidance due to the precision required.
• Immediate response:
  • Harpole recognized gunfire, rushed Charlie, applied direct pressure to the wound; within 15–16 seconds, the team moved Kirk to a vehicle for emergency evacuation.
  • Critical medical details: Severe, likely unsurvivable wound—“wounds incompatible with life.” (108:31)
  • No waiting for EMS on scene: “Rule number one…anything get off the X.” (121:22)

9. Hospital & Aftermath (122:57–129:43)

• Team arrived at hospital, continued life-saving attempts, coordinated handoff to ER staff.
• The emotional aftermath and logistical difficulties (i.e., inability to contact family due to lost phone).
• Harpole confirms autopsy performed and details around the wound:
  • “I specifically asked one of the doctors… how long until we can get an autopsy? … a day, a day and a half. … We need to get this autopsy done and done right so that there's not some conspiracy.” (129:43)
• Medical examiner’s description: Bullet entered neck, “tore up everything,” hit vertebra, fragmented.

10. Addressing Internet Theories and Allegations (133:12–149:51)

• Hand signals / hat adjustments: “We didn't use hand signals that day. We've never used hand signals other than the general ones.”
• Microphone/explosive theory: “Where was the flash? Where was the char? It didn't exist.”
• Alleged “item exchange”: Explained away as candy/mints from a well-known event staffer.
• Footage chain-of-custody: The “selfie” and “footage removal” done by AV staff, not security, and all material turned over to FBI.
• Team infiltration: “If somebody were to say, one of my guys or an employee, hey, you were part of this murder and you helped conspire, then I would say, I need you to tell me why you said that right now. A definitive why.” (148:56)
• Release of security footage: Harpole supports keeping it sealed until trial but urges authorities to provide verifiable, interim “truths” to counter misinformation.

11. Lingering Questions and Team Toll (149:51–167:32)

• Why was the crime scene so quickly demolished?
  • “That had to probably go through a budget request… You should be able to get that through FOIA.”
• No evidence of a “trap door” or secret tunnel.
• Autopsy supports the gunshot narrative—no evidence for explosive devices or mechanical plot.
• Desire for phone/tower records, interviews with alleged shooter’s associates.
• Pained by “disgusting” rumors about Kirk’s wife and the team’s involvement—“she’s a victim… those are lies.”
• Heavy consequences for the team: doxing, threats, personal and financial risk.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On rumor and reality:
  “In this industry, something happens by no fault of your own even, and like that, you’re done… You have to be that much better. Every single time you step on a job.” (29:12)
• On Mossad conspiracy:
  “To say that we’re Mossad or attached to any type of foreign entity, it’s one of those sits [sic] crap on its best day.” (35:27)
• On lack of foreign threat intelligence:
  “We’ve never received anything from the FBI… that was credible that was saying that groups of that entity was a threat to him.” (44:20)
• On internet hysteria:
  “People get chastised for telling the truth… all these guys are. And these things are our version of National Enquirer and they're monetizing that lie.” (140:19)
• On team loyalty:
  “Rick’s a brother. He’s got the tattoo… I know he’s got me.” (119:00–119:18)
• On government transparency:
  “If you want to rebuild the fucking trust in the institutions, then you open up transparency and you stop fucking hiding shit from the American people. 100%.” (152:13)
• On security team selection:
  “If you're not a jackass, can you work well with a team, can you think of people besides yourself? … Physical skills, the hard skills and the soft skills can be taught.” (23:54)

Memorable Moments

• Emotion in the Aftermath:
  Harpole nearly breaks down (108:31) reliving the trauma of applying pressure to Kirk’s wound, blood in his face, and knowing immediately the injury was fatal.
• Confronting Conspiracy:
  “If somebody were to say, one of my guys or an employee, hey, you were part of this murder and you helped conspire, then I would say, I need you to tell me why you said that right now. A definitive why. Not now. Not. It’s a possibility.” (148:46)
• Personal Toll:
  Doxing, loss of privacy, and the team targeted despite no evidence of wrongdoing: “Our credit cards have been stolen, our children's and parents names have been released online.” (152:50)
• Shawn: “Are there any other questions you have?”
  Harpole: “No, I just, I mean, I appreciate you… I don’t deserve this.” (167:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [05:38] – Why Harpole decided to speak now
• [09:26] – Most memorable moment with Charlie Kirk
• [13:05–26:29] – Background, selection & training methodology for Integrity Security Solutions
• [35:07–38:04] – Refuting claims of Mossad or extremist ties
• [38:08–47:01] – Threat assessment and event planning procedures
• [50:11–66:04] – Coordination issues, venue security, and policing challenges
• [69:03–81:43] – Walk-through of entire security setup at the event
• [88:12–108:31] – Timeline and actions on the assassination, medical response
• [122:57–129:43] – Hospital arrival, autopsy, wound assessment
• [133:12–149:51] – Addressing top conspiracy allegations and internet rumors
• [149:51–153:43] – Arguments for/against releasing video, fallout for the team
• [154:00–156:32] – Crime scene demolition, autopsy/bullet details
• [159:37] – Harpole’s unanswered questions for authorities and on shooter’s background

Conclusion

Brian Harpole offers a rare, unfiltered look at the realities of high-threat executive protection, the devastating impact of losing a principal on his security team, and the tidal wave of public suspicion that follows such historic events. Evincing humility, professionalism, and emotional candor, Harpole’s account both clears up the wildest rumors and issues a plea for truth, transparency, and basic human decency for all those impacted by this tragedy.