Independent Journalist Says He’s Been Threatened To Be ‘Kirked’ Over Viral Minnesota Fraud Video

Independent journalist and YouTuber Nick Shirley says he has received death threats and sustained harassment after releasing a viral investigation alleging widespread fraud at publicly funded daycare centers in Minnesota.

Shirley described the threats during a Dec. 31 appearance on the PBD Podcast with host Patrick Bet-David, saying he was warned he would be “Kirked” — a reference to the September assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (RELATED: Who Is Nick Shirley?)

The backlash follows Shirley’s investigation into several state-funded daycare centers, which he claims appeared largely empty despite receiving millions of dollars in taxpayer funding.

According to Shirley, one location alone allegedly collected roughly $4 million in public funds.

Since the video went viral, Shirley said the response has escalated beyond online criticism into direct threats, both digitally and in person.

“They are saying, like, ‘Kirked — you’re going to be Kirked. You’re going to be Kirked,’” Shirley told Bet-David.

“That’s what they’re saying — like, you’re next. You’ll be the next [Charlie] Kirk.”

Shirley appeared visibly shaken as he described the emotional toll the situation had taken, particularly on his family. He said relatives have received calls from members of the media.

“And it’s just like, are you kidding me?” Shirley said. “I honestly feel bad for my family, because it’s like, yeah, we didn’t do anything wrong, and yet you guys are coming after me like I’m some sort of villain.”

He added that reporters had contacted his sister directly.

“So I’m like, my little sister is getting phone calls,” he said. “I’m like, why are you guys doing this?”

Shirley maintained that his investigation was not politically motivated, but focused solely on financial accountability.

“I didn’t make this a right-or-left issue,” he said. “I just showed you guys that fraud was happening.”

State Officials Push Back

Minnesota officials have disputed Shirley’s claims.

Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families, said during a Dec. 29 press conference that previous inspections had not uncovered evidence of fraud.

“We are aware of a video that’s being circulated that has gained local and national attention about childcare centers in Minnesota,” Brown said.

“While we have questions about some of the methods that were used in the video, we do take the concerns that the video raises about fraud very seriously.”

Despite that response, the controversy quickly drew federal attention.

On Dec. 30, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it would halt childcare payments to Minnesota, citing concerns raised by the investigation. (RELATED: Trump Pledges Investigation Into Minnesota Fraud)

The reported threats — particularly references to political assassinations — have also intensified concerns about political violence and intimidation, especially when directed at journalists investigating government activity.

While state officials dispute Shirley’s findings, the federal decision to suspend payments suggests the allegations were serious enough to warrant immediate action.

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