Video from Utah Valley University showing a man cheering after Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparked outrage online. A bearded man in a baseball cap raised his arms while others ducked for cover, leading many to accuse him of celebrating.

The clip went viral with millions of views on X, with critics calling his actions “disturbing and disrespectful.” The man, identifying himself only as David, denied the claims. He said he wasn’t celebrating but trying to calm the crowd by shouting “USA! USA!” to project strength and prevent panic.

David explained he first thought the sound was fireworks, but when no sparks appeared, he realized it was gunfire. Believing Kirk was badly hurt, he shouted to redirect energy: “I would never cheer for someone’s death.”

Still, a second video he posted drew skepticism when he vaguely mentioned “my soldiers, including Charlie,” and called himself “the happiest person you ever met.”

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested for allegedly firing the fatal shot, after his father recognized him in FBI images. Kirk, 31, died from a neck wound, with tributes pouring in across party lines. Donald Trump called him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.”