Independent journalist Nick Shirley has reported receiving death threats following the release of a video that alleges fraud at daycare centers in Minnesota. The threats, which also targeted his family, emerged after his investigation suggested that several publicly funded daycare centers were receiving state payments despite being largely empty.
Shirley detailed the threats during an appearance on the PBD Podcast on December 31, 2023. He mentioned that he had been warned he would be “Kirked,” a term referencing the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He expressed concern for the safety of his family due to the backlash from his video, which has since gone viral.
The investigation conducted by Shirley focused on daycare centers that he claimed were not providing services while receiving significant taxpayer funding. One center, he stated, had allegedly collected approximately $4 million in state payments. Following the release of his video, Shirley reported an increase in threats made towards him, both online and in person.
In his remarks on the podcast, Shirley shared his distress over the personal impact of the threats. “I honestly feel bad for my family,” he said. “We didn’t do anything wrong, and yet you guys are coming after me like I’m some sort of villain.” He also highlighted that his sister received threatening phone calls, prompting his frustration with the situation.
Shirley clarified that his investigation was aimed at ensuring financial accountability rather than advancing a political agenda. “I didn’t make this a right-or-left issue,” he stated. “I just showed you guys that fraud was happening.”
As the controversy grew, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families pushed back against Shirley’s claims. Commissioner Tikki Brown stated during a press conference on December 29 that prior inspections had not uncovered any evidence of fraud at these daycare centers. “We do take the concerns that the video raises about fraud very seriously,” she said, while also questioning the methods used in Shirley’s investigation.
In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced on December 30 that it would suspend childcare payments to Minnesota. This decision underscores the seriousness with which federal officials are treating the allegations raised by Shirley’s video.
As the situation continues to unfold, Shirley has maintained his commitment to uncovering financial misconduct in the daycare system. His investigation has sparked a broader conversation about accountability in publicly funded programs, with many calling for a thorough examination of financial practices in the sector.
The implications of Shirley’s findings and the subsequent threats against him raise critical questions about the safety of journalists uncovering potentially controversial truths. As this story develops, it remains to be seen how officials will address the allegations and the concerns raised by Shirley’s investigation.
