Who Is Michael Mallinson? Toronto Banker Shocked After False Charlie Kirk Shooting Claims

On Thursday, September 11, 2025, a Canadian man named Michael Mallinson, aged 77, was falsely accused online of being involved in the Charlie Kirk shooting at Utah Valley University. Mallinson, a retired banker from Toronto, said he was “shocked” when his name and picture went viral on social media, wrongly linking him to the crime.

False Accusations Against Michael Mallinson

The mix-up started after a fake account on X called Fox 11 Reno shared a photo of a man being briefly detained by police at Utah Valley University. The post falsely claimed that the man was Michael Mallinson and that he was a “registered Democrat from Utah.”

This claim quickly spread across X, Facebook, and other platforms. Hundreds of users reshared the post, calling Mallinson a “liberal extremist” and even accusing him of having a “Ukrainian connection.”

Where Was Michael Mallinson During the Shooting?

In reality, Mallinson was in Toronto, Canada, at the time of the incident. He had no link to the shooting and has never visited the Utah campus.

Speaking to the New York Times, Mallinson explained that he was stunned to see his face online, especially in such a serious context. He also said that false rumors can spread very fast and put innocent people at risk.

Michael Mallinson’s Background

Mallinson worked for 35 years in banking before retiring in 2011. He is also a patient advocate for Axial Spondyloarthritis, a painful form of arthritis that he personally suffers from. He is a father and lives a quiet life in Toronto.

FBI and Police Clarification

Authorities confirmed that two people were questioned after the Charlie Kirk shooting, but both were released. The FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety stated clearly that neither person had any ties to the case.

The shooter, who killed Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, is still on the run. Officials believe the shots came from the Losee Center building, around 200 yards from where Kirk was speaking.

Mallinson Reacts to Online Abuse

Mallinson said he received angry and abusive messages on Facebook after the false claims spread.

He has since deleted most of his social media accounts to protect his privacy. He also reported the false accusations to local police and is considering legal action against those who spread lies about him.

What Happens Next

The investigation into the Charlie Kirk shooting is still ongoing. Utah Valley University remains closed until Monday as police continue their search for the shooter.

Mallinson hopes the story will soon fade away but admits there is always a risk that false claims might resurface in the future.