Independent journalist Nick Shirley told Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany on Saturday that he now requires expensive security to continue his investigations into blue-state welfare fraud. Shirley gained national attention after releasing a viral exposé on Somali-run day care centers in Minnesota that appeared to be ghost facilities receiving millions in taxpayer funds. He revealed that exposing these billion-dollar schemes has led to constant doxing attempts and credible threats against his life.
“Yeah, so, people try to dox my location live, especially in a lot of times when I go to these cities now,” Shirley responded when asked about his recent fundraising efforts for security. He explained that leftist activists often track him during filming and post his location to online group chats with messages like “it’s on site.” This harassment has occurred in multiple cities, including Baltimore and Los Angeles, where he recently probed hospice fraud.
The cost of continuing this work has become a significant barrier for the independent investigator. Shirley noted that his most recent video in California cost $15,000 just for three days of security. “I used to be able to film these videos without security. Now it costs anywhere from— the last hospice video cost $15,000,” he told McEnany. He credited his fans and viewers for helping him raise the funds necessary to stay safe while filming.
Shirley’s work has already had a major impact on the political landscape, particularly in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek a third term on January 5, 2026, just days after Shirley’s day care exposé went viral. While Walz blamed political gamesmanship for his exit, critics point to the audit failures and the $9 billion fraud scandal as the true cause of his departure.
Other independent journalists have faced similar dangers while reporting on sensitive issues in blue states. Reporters for the Daily Caller and other independent outlets have been assaulted or threatened by anti-ICE rioters and leftist mobs in recent months. The rise in “on site” threats has made security a mandatory expense for those working to expose corruption in major urban centers.
As the 2026 midterms approach, the focus on government accountability and the protection of taxpayer funds remains a central issue for many voters. Shirley emphasized that his mission is simply to ensure that taxes are not being used to enable fraud. For many observers, the high price of his safety is a stark reminder of the risks involved in challenging established political interests in major cities.