Elon Musk issued a stark warning after conservative commentator Erika Kirk faced death threats online, declaring that “either we fight back, or they will kill us,” in a post that quickly drew widespread attention and controversy.
The Tesla and SpaceX chief weighed in on Friday following reports that Kirk, a conservative media host and advisor known for her commentary on faith and politics, received violent threats from self-identified leftist accounts on social media. Musk’s response, posted on his X platform, framed the threats as part of a broader struggle over free expression and political dissent.
“Either we fight back, or they will kill us,” Musk wrote, sparking intense debate among his followers and critics alike. Supporters defended the statement as a wake-up call about escalating political hostility and the dangers of online radicalization. Critics, however, argued that his phrasing risked inflaming tensions and portraying political opponents as existential enemies.
Kirk acknowledged receiving the threats and thanked Musk and others for speaking out, saying her experience highlighted the need for stronger measures against online harassment and political violence.
This latest controversy adds to a growing list of high-profile political interventions by Musk, who has increasingly used his platform to address issues ranging from free speech to media bias. Officials have not disclosed whether law enforcement is investigating the threats against Kirk, but security experts warn that such rhetoric combined with targeted harassment can contribute to real-world risks.
