JD Vance Obsessed Over Charlie Kirk's Assassination Footage
JD Vance became consumed by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, reportedly spending nights glued to his phone, replaying the moment a bullet struck Kirk's neck.
His fixation alarmed his wife, Usha, who expressed her deep concern over his behavior.
In the book "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump," journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan reveal that Vance's mind raced for days after Kirk's death, and even the arrest of suspected shooter Tyler Robinson did little to ease his turmoil.
Vance scoured the internet for videos of the shooting, analyzing different angles and searching for clues that hinted at a larger conspiracy behind the murder.
The journalists noted that Vance's instincts led him to believe there was more to the story, though the exact conclusions he reached remain unclear.
His obsession drove him down countless online rabbit holes, prompting Usha to voice her worries about his mental state.
Vance and Usha married in 2014.
"Regime Change" hits shelves on June 23 and also covers various aspects of President Trump's presidency, including his relationship with Melania Trump and controversies surrounding his administration.
The shocking details of Vance's behavior come as a Utah judge dismissed a defense motion to compel Robinson's former roommate to testify at the preliminary hearing, stating that credibility can be contested later if the case goes to trial.
Judge Tony Graf ruled that the preliminary hearing's purpose is to determine if enough evidence exists for a trial, not to establish guilt or innocence.
He postponed a decision on whether prosecutors could face sanctions for public comments regarding a bullet fragment found in Kirk's body.
The defense argued that media statements could bias potential jurors against Robinson, who has not yet entered a plea.
Robinson faces aggravated murder charges for the September 10, 2025, killing of Kirk, who was shot while speaking to a large crowd at Utah Valley University.
Prosecutors disclosed that DNA matching Robinson's was found on the rifle's trigger and fired cartridge casing, as well as two unfired cartridges. Defense attorneys pointed out that forensic reports indicated multiple DNA profiles on certain items, suggesting a need for further analysis.
Robinson allegedly told his roommate he targeted Kirk due to "having enough of his hatred," according to prosecutors.
The defense team sought to prevent prosecutors from using recorded statements from the roommate at the preliminary hearing set for July 6, arguing that Robinson should confront the witness directly.
Judge Graf denied this request, asserting that challenges to witness credibility should be addressed later in the process.
"The Utah Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that a preliminary hearing is not a trial on the merits but a gateway to the finder of fact," Graf stated, emphasizing that jury responsibility lies in assessing witness credibility if the case proceeds.
The case has garnered significant public attention, with rampant speculation fueled by court documents revealing preliminary tests could not definitively link the bullet to the suspected weapon.
This uncertainty has ignited unverified conspiracy theories about a second shooter or claims that Kirk's death was staged. Both legal teams have raised concerns that misinformation and media coverage could taint the jury pool.
Earlier this month, Graf held a hearing regarding potential contempt charges against prosecutors for their public comments about the bullet evidence.
Robinson's legal team accused prosecutors, including Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard, of attempting to influence jurors through a "media tour" discussing ballistics evidence.
Ballard defended himself at the June 12 hearing, claiming he had not discussed case specifics with the media but had only made general comments about ballistics testing outcomes.
