Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting displayed Increasingly Political Views, Authorities Say
PHOENIX, AZ – Authorities have arrested Brandon J. Robinson, 23, in connection with the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, on Friday. Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced Robinson’s arrest at a press conference, detailing emerging information about the suspect’s background and potential motivations.
According to investigators, a family member reported that Robinson ”had become more political in recent years” and harbored dislike for Kirk, describing him as “full of hate” and “spreading hate.” The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to analyze evidence to determine a definitive motive.
Law enforcement recovered a bolt-action rifle abandoned in a wooded area, along with ammunition bearing unusual markings. One bullet casing found with the rifle was engraved with the message, “Hey fascist! Catch!” Othre casings contained references to internet memes and online chatroom culture, including phrases like ”notices, bulges, OwO, what’s this?” and “If you read this, you are gay LMAO.” One casing was etched with lyrics from an Italian anti-fascism song originating from World War II.
Governor Cox stated that the “Hey fascist” marking “speaks for itself” regarding the gunman’s intent. However, experts caution against drawing premature conclusions about the motive.
Brian Levin,professor emeritus at Cal State san Bernardino and founder of its Center for the Study of Hate,emphasized the complexity of understanding motivations in cases involving lone young assailants. “It is indeed increasingly difficult to promptly ascribe motivation as many…are frequently enough a mix of grievance, mental distress, and aggressions picked up in social circles and online,” Levin said. He noted that while online messaging can indicate symbolic intent, it can also be “amorphous or disjointed.”
Joan Donovan, an assistant professor of journalism at Boston University specializing in extremism, pointed to similarities with past mass shooters who utilized memes in their communications, such as the 2019 Christchurch, New Zealand shooter. She suggested the markings on the casings may have been intended to communicate with other potential attackers rather than convey a clear message to the public.
Donovan described the collection of messages as a ”hodgepodge” indicative of someone immersed in online “black pilled” circles - individuals expressing cynicism and disillusionment with the broader system. “Its both impostor and mocking at the same time,” she explained, adding that the engravings reflect a “nihilistic hubris.”
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to gather evidence. Los Angeles Times staff writers Anita Chabria and Jenny Jarvie contributed to this report.
