Charlie Kirk Assassination Suspect Engraved Bullets with Internet Memes and Anti-Fascist Messages

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested on Thursday after allegedly killing the 31-year-old as he spoke at a university event in Utah on Wednesday

Authorities revealed new details Friday about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying that the suspected gunman, Tyler Robinson, 22, inscribed internet memes and anti-fascist slogans on bullets before fatally shooting the 31-year-old during a university event in Utah.

Robinson was arrested Thursday night in southern Utah after a 33-hour manhunt. He is accused of firing a single shot at Kirk as he spoke to students at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday.

Kirk is seen here throwing hats to supporters who had gathered at Utah Valley University on Wednesday

Investigators said Robinson shared details of his movements and the weapon used on an online chatroom believed to be Discord. A roommate told officers that Robinson described wrapping the rifle in a towel, stashing it in a bush, retrieving it later from a drop point, and changing outfits after the shooting.

One of the engraved bullets reportedly bore the phrase, “Notices bulge OwO, what’s this?” — a meme associated with trolling furries and transgender people. Another read, “Hey Fascists! Catch,” accompanied by directional arrow symbols. Authorities said the arrows may reference the Iron Front, a paramilitary group that opposed the Nazi Party in Germany during the Weimar Republic, or even a sequence from the 2024 video game Helldivers 2.

OWO is intended to represent a wide-eyed face of surprise, with 'notices bulge' referring to the male appendage (used here in a post on Reddit)

Other casings were marked with the lyrics of “Bella Ciao,” the Italian anti-fascist anthem popularized again by the Netflix series Money Heist. The final unfired bullet carried the inscription, “If you read this you are gay LMAO.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson’s family members noticed his growing political radicalization. Robinson had mentioned Kirk’s planned visit to Utah Valley University and reportedly told relatives at dinner that “Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.”

Robinson was turned into police overnight by his father and a minister in southern Utah

On the day of the shooting, Robinson allegedly arrived in a gray Dodge Challenger, wearing a maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, a black hat with a white logo, and light-colored shoes. Authorities confirmed he was wearing similar clothing when apprehended around 10 p.m. Thursday.

FBI Director Kash Patel called the capture “historic,” crediting the agency with bringing the manhunt to a close within 33 hours. Robinson’s arrest followed tips from his father, a longtime law enforcement officer, and a minister who persuaded him to turn himself in.

Robinson lived with his family in a $600,000 home in Washington, Utah, about 260 miles south of Orem. Social media posts from his family show him vacationing with his brothers and celebrating college milestones.

President Donald Trump, who ordered flags flown at half-staff in Kirk’s honor, demanded the death penalty for Robinson, calling Kirk “the finest person.” Kirk, a father of two, was known nationally for his outspoken MAGA views, fiery debates with students, and as the co-founder of Turning Point USA.