Frightening
Nick Shirley Gets Death Threats after Uncovering Somali Daycare Fraud in Minnesota | WATCH
No arrests have been reported in connection with the threats against Shirley, and law enforcement has not publicly commented either.
Independent journalist and YouTuber Nick Shirley, 23, has claimed he is facing a barrage of death threats following his viral videos alleging widespread fraud in Minnesota's taxpayer-funded daycare programs, particularly those operated by members of the Somali community.
In a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast hosted by Patrick Bet-David, Shirley detailed the harassment, including warnings that he would be "Kirked," a chilling reference to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier in 2025.
"They say, you'll be Kirked," Shirley told Bet-David yesterday, adding that the threats have extended to doxxing and intimidation of his family. "I feel bad for my family. We didn't do anything wrong," he said, expressing concern over the escalation.
Shirley, who boasts over 1 million followers on X (@nickshirleyy), rose to prominence in late December 2025 after posting videos where he visited dozens of registered daycare centers that received funds from the federal Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). He claimed many sites were abandoned, empty during operating hours, or not functioning as child care facilities, estimating over $110 million in potential fraud.
One video, which garnered millions of views, showed Shirley confronting a Minnesota state representative about the oversight failures, accusing Democrats of ignoring the issue for political gain. VP JD Vance, have praised Shirley's work as "real journalism," contrasting it with mainstream media coverage.
However, critics from outlets like NPR, CNN, and CBS have accused him of using misleading edits, filming at off-hours, and unfairly targeting the Somali immigrant community, which has been a focal point of similar fraud allegations in the past.
The FBI has confirmed ongoing investigations into fraud within Minnesota's child care and feeding programs, including a 2022 case involving $250 million in misappropriated funds from pandemic-era initiatives. State officials, including those under Gov. Tim Walz's administration, have acknowledged systemic issues but denied complicity, pointing to enhanced audits and prosecutions. Somali community leaders in Minneapolis have expressed unease over Shirley's videos, fearing they stoke anti-immigrant sentiment amid rising tensions. "This kind of exposure can lead to unfair generalizations," said a spokesperson for a local Somali advocacy group in a statement to local media.
The story has sparked widespread discussion on X, with posts from conservative influencers amplifying Shirley's claims and calling for his protection, while others debate the ethics of his investigative methods. Shirley has vowed to continue his investigations, announcing plans to expose additional "businesses" involved in similar schemes.