Paxton Launches Investigation Into Discord After Reported Kirk Assassin Used Platform

AUSTIN, TX — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Thursday that his office is investigating the social media platform Discord after it was reportedly used by the assassin who murdered conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

According to a statement from Paxton’s office, the investigation falls under his “Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act” initiative and will focus on Discord’s alleged role in exposing minors to extremist and sexually exploitative content. Paxton said reports also indicate the platform contributes to user addiction.

“Discord has chosen to allow extremist content, sexual exploitation, and addiction to flourish on its platform,” Paxton said. “It has a legal obligation to prevent minors from being exposed to these evils, but instead its actions have contributed to the growing wave of nihilistic violence all across our nation.”

The investigation will examine Discord’s privacy and safety practices, including how its content policies may contribute to radicalization and violence. Paxton’s office said it has issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Discord, focused on extremist content, sexual exploitation of minors by grooming gangs, the rise of shooters carrying out acts of nihilistic extremist violence, and the addictiveness of the platform for minors.

Paxton added that his office is “standing shoulder to shoulder with the Trump Administration” in efforts to combat online extremism and protect minors from harmful digital environments.

The Attorney General's investigation will examine the content on Discord's platform and its role in contributing to the radicalization, sexual exploitation, and addiction of minors.