FBI Reveals Shocking Details About Weapon and Messages in Charlie Kirk Murder Case
September 12 — Federal authorities have provided chilling new details in the ongoing investigation into the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk, unveiling disturbing inscriptions found on ammunition linked to the suspect.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) held a press conference earlier today (September 12), giving the most extensive update yet on the shooting that stunned the nation. Kirk, 31, was gunned down at Utah Valley University on September 10 during a Turning Point USA debate event. The incident, widely described as a political assassination, has prompted an intense manhunt, swift arrests, and widespread public debate over security, extremism, and the political climate in America.
Discovery of the Murder Weapon
According to FBI officials, investigators located a bolt-action rifle believed to be the weapon used in the attack. The firearm was recovered in a wooded area not far from the campus, wrapped in a dark-colored towel. Alongside the rifle, bullet casings were also discovered, some fired and others intact.
But it was the inscriptions on those casings that left even seasoned investigators unsettled.
Disturbing Messages Engraved on Bullets
Authorities confirmed that several casings bore handwritten or engraved words, appearing to taunt or mock their intended target. Among the recovered evidence:
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One casing read: “hey fascist.”
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Another had the single word: “catch.”
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A live round bore lyrics from the famous Italian resistance song, “Bella Ciao”: “oh Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao.”
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Perhaps most shockingly, one unfired round included a crude message: “if you read this you are gay lmao.”
Law enforcement sources described these writings as “disturbing” and “juvenile,” yet also potentially indicative of the shooter’s mindset and ideological influences. Investigators believe the messages may have been intended both as personal statements and as a twisted form of psychological warfare.
Identification of the Suspect
During the press conference, officials confirmed that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a Utah resident, has been taken into custody in connection with the killing. Robinson was identified after his family reportedly alerted law enforcement to his possible involvement, a move praised by Utah Governor Spencer Cox as an act of courage.
Governor Cox told reporters:
“I especially want to thank the family of Charlie Kirk. I want us to be thinking of them as we bring justice to this case. And I also want to recognize the family of the suspect, who chose to do the right thing in an incredibly difficult moment.”
The Role of Online Communications
Perhaps even more troubling were revelations that Robinson had allegedly used online platforms to discuss his plans. According to the FBI, Robinson’s roommate directed investigators to a Discord channel where the suspect reportedly shared messages about retrieving a rifle from a “drop point.”
This finding underscores growing concerns among law enforcement and counterterrorism experts about how online communities can serve as echo chambers for radicalization, planning, and validation of extremist actions.
While officials did not release the full contents of the Discord messages, they confirmed that they are working with digital forensic specialists to trace Robinson’s online communications, contacts, and affiliations.
A Chilling Parallel to Past Political Violence
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has reignited national conversations about political polarization and the rising threat of targeted attacks on public figures. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the shooting as “a targeted political assassination.”
Observers have drawn parallels to previous incidents, including the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in 2024. In that case, a gunman opened fire from a rooftop during an outdoor campaign rally, grazing Trump’s ear. The similarity of tactics — high vantage points, long-range rifles, and targeting during public speeches — has unsettled both federal and local authorities.
Public and Political Reactions
The news of Kirk’s death has drawn condolences from across the political spectrum, though reactions have also highlighted the nation’s sharp divides.
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Donald Trump immediately paid tribute to Kirk, calling him “a great and legendary figure” who understood America’s youth better than anyone.
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Vice President JD Vance described the killing as a tragedy and urged prayers for Kirk’s wife and two young children.
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Critics of the current administration have pointed to the killing as evidence of unchecked political violence, while others warn against using the tragedy to inflame partisan divisions.
On social media, the revelations about the engraved messages on the bullets have fueled conspiracy theories, memes, and heated debates. Some users claim the inscriptions show the shooter was motivated by ideology, while others argue they reflect mental instability rather than coherent politics.
Security Concerns Raised
The fact that the suspect was able to fire a lethal shot from a rooftop onto a crowd of 3,000 has raised serious questions about the level of security at the Utah Valley University event.
Jeff Long, the university’s chief of police, acknowledged during a press briefing that only six police officers were present at the scene. Kirk had his own security detail, but critics argue this was insufficient for such a high-profile figure at an outdoor gathering.
Lawmakers and security experts are now calling for a review of security protocols for political events, particularly those held on open campuses where crowds can number in the thousands.
What Happens Next
The FBI has confirmed that Robinson’s rifle and ammunition are undergoing forensic analysis at a federal laboratory. Investigators are examining:
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Fingerprints and palm prints found near the suspected firing location.
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Shoe impressions and other trace evidence left on the rooftop.
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The contents of Robinson’s digital communications, including his alleged Discord channel.
Authorities also confirmed that they are mapping Robinson’s movements in the days leading up to the shooting, including how he acquired the rifle, where he may have practiced, and whether he had any accomplices.
Conclusion
The murder of Charlie Kirk has shocked the nation, leaving his family, friends, and supporters grappling with grief. But today’s revelations add a chilling new layer to the tragedy. The discovery of messages etched into bullets suggests a shooter who was not only intent on killing but also on sending a message — however crude, cryptic, or disturbing.
As the FBI’s investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered: What drove a 22-year-old from Utah to commit such an act? Did he act alone? And what role did online communities play in shaping his decisions?
For now, one thing is clear — this was not a random attack but a targeted act of violence, one that authorities are determined to fully uncover.
The press conference concluded with a commitment from federal and state officials to pursue justice swiftly, while also ensuring that the public remains informed as new details emerge.
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