YouTuber Nick Shirley says he is facing death threats and harassment targeting his family following the release of a viral investigative video into alleged fraud at taxpayer-funded daycare centers. During an appearance on the “PBD Podcast” this Wednesday, Shirley revealed that critics have warned him he will be “Kirked”—a grim reference to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
The controversy stems from Shirley’s video released last Friday, in which the content creator investigated multiple Somali-run daycare centers in Minnesota. The footage appeared to show facilities that were largely empty of children, despite one location reportedly receiving $4 million in taxpayer funding.
Speaking on the podcast, Shirley described a swift and aggressive backlash that has escalated into fears for his physical safety.
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“They’re saying, ‘You’re going to be Kirked … you’ll be the next Kirk.’ And it’s just like, are you kidding me? I hate what’s happening right now,” Shirley said. “I feel bad for my family, honestly, because we didn’t do anything wrong, and yet you guys are coming after me like I’m some sort of villain.”
The threats referenced the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, an act carried out by Tyler Robinson. Authorities later revealed Robinson had texted a romantic partner that he had “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred” prior to the attack.
Beyond the threats to his own life, Shirley expressed deep concern over the harassment of his relatives. He detailed instances where news outlets—specifically noting reports out of India—allegedly doxed his home address and his father’s personal information.
“My little sister is getting phone calls [from the news]. I’m like, why are you guys doing this?” Shirley said, adding that he has tried to shield his father from the extent of the situation. “Don’t talk to my family… Why are you guys coming after somebody for going against fraud? I didn’t make this a right or left issue. I just showed you guys that fraud was happening.”
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Shirley’s original video documented his visit to the “Sweet Angel Child” daycare, where he sought to verify enrollment numbers. The visit quickly devolved into a confrontation outside the facility, with individuals refusing to answer questions regarding operations. Shirley also alleged that his team was trailed by unknown individuals while they were documenting various locations.
The allegations of fraud in Minnesota’s daycare system are not entirely new. Following Shirley’s report, surveillance footage from 2018 captured by Fox 9 resurfaced, showing a similar scheme. That report alleged that scammers were bilking the state out of funds by checking children into centers and removing them shortly after, collecting payments for services never rendered.
Despite the intensity of the backlash, Shirley maintained that his investigation was strictly about financial accountability.
“You’re literally stopping at intersections and coming after me and trying to attack me,” Shirley said of his detractors.
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