Independent journalist Nick Shirley says he has faced death threats and harassment after a viral video alleging fraud at Minnesota daycare centers. Shirley told the PBD Podcast on Dec. 31 that some people warned he would be "Kirked," a phrase linked by some to an earlier threat involving activist Charlie Kirk. His investigation alleges that some state-funded childcare sites were largely empty despite large payments; one site has been reported to have received about $4 million. Minnesota officials have disputed the findings, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services paused childcare payments to Minnesota while investigations continue.
Journalist Nick Shirley Says He Received Death Threats After Viral Minnesota Daycare Fraud Video
Independent journalist Nick Shirley.
Independent journalist Nick Shirley says he has received death threats and harassment after publishing a viral video alleging fraud at publicly funded daycare centers in Minnesota.
Shirley described the intimidation during a Dec. 31 appearance on the PBD Podcast, telling host Patrick Bet-David that some commenters warned he would be "Kirked." He said the phrase was being used by some observers in connection with a prior, highly publicized threat involving conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Quality Learning Center in Minnesota was found at the center of an alleged childcare fraud scandal in the state.
Allegations and Response
Shirley’s video, which drew national attention, alleged that several Minnesota childcare facilities were collecting substantial state payments despite appearing largely empty. Reporting tied to the story has identified at least one facility that allegedly received about $4 million in taxpayer funding and referred investigators to what some coverage described as a broader, multi-billion-dollar money trail.
On the podcast, Shirley said threats have come both online and in person since his video went viral. He described the emotional toll on himself and his family, saying relatives have fielded calls from reporters and others.
Quality Learning Center manager Ibrahim Ali, left, and Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families Commissioner Tikki Brown denied any fraud took place, despite a recent report by independent journalist Nick Shirley.
"They are saying, like, ‘Kirked — you’re going to be Kirked. You’re going to be Kirked,'" Shirley told Bet-David. "That’s what they’re saying — like, you’re next. You’ll be the next [Charlie] Kirk."
Shirley added: "I honestly feel bad for my family, because it’s like, yeah, we didn’t do anything wrong, and yet you guys are coming after me like I’m some sort of villain." He said his reporting aimed to highlight financial accountability rather than partisan politics: "I didn’t make this a right-or-left issue. I just showed you guys that fraud was happening."
Official Reactions and Investigations
Minnesota officials have pushed back on Shirley’s methods and findings. Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families Commissioner Tikki Brown said past inspections had not found evidence of fraud and that the state was reviewing the concerns raised by the viral video.
"We are aware of a video that’s being circulated that has gained local and national attention about childcare centers in Minnesota," Brown said at a Dec. 29 news conference. "While we have questions about some of the methods that were used in the video, we do take the concerns that the video raises about fraud very seriously."
In response to the allegations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced on Dec. 30 that it would pause certain childcare payments to Minnesota while federal authorities review the situation. Law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have been reported to be probing suspected sites and following up on leads tied to the alleged funding irregularities.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Shirley for comment.
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