FBI advised Pat McAfee to wear bulletproof vest after Kirk killing

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 29 Oct, 02:57 · Archive

The FBI advised ESPN sports commentator Pat McAfee to wear a bulletproof vest following the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September 2025.

The FBI advised ESPN sports commentator Pat McAfee to wear a bulletproof vest the week after right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September 2025. McAfee receives threatening messages and death threats regularly, according to reports.

McAfee later clarified the situation on social media, stating that the bulletproof vest idea came from one of his security groups rather than directly from the FBI. He explained that everyone in the security world was concerned about a potential copycat incident, particularly as 'College GameDay' was scheduled to film on a college campus days after Kirk's death. McAfee noted that the situation had drawn extreme scrutiny on the internet.

Security was heightened for the Tennessee 'GameDay' event. McAfee wrote that the FBI, Disney security, Tennessee State Police, Knoxville Police Department and University Police all coordinated to protect the area, with FBI snipers deployed and a heavy police presence established. He described it as 'a surreal moment' and noted that death threats he had been receiving were a major topic of discussion among security personnel.

ESPN stated that it takes all threats seriously and supports McAfee, recognizing his 'very real and valid concerns' around safety and security.

How it is being reported

• Pat McAfee reveals story behind bulletproof vest protection — and world-rattling social media threats he’s receivedPat McAfee addressed reports that he had been advised to wear a bulletproof vest.New York Post · 29 Oct, 02:39
• FBI reportedly advised Pat McAfee to wear bulletproof vest in wake of Charlie Kirk assassinationThe report also stated that McAfee receives threatening messages, along with death threats, regularly.New York Post · 27 Oct, 23:50
• FBI advised ESPN star Pat McAfee to wear a bulletproof vest after Charlie Kirk’s assassinationThe FBI advised Pat McAfee to wear a bulletproof vest after the Charlie Kirk assassination, a source says, as safety fears grow for media figures.Fox News · 27 Oct, 23:44

In this story: Pat McAfee · Charlie Kirk · ESPN · FBI · University of Utah · Tennessee

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log