‘So Many Layers of Irony’: CNN Reporter Warns Against Jumping to Conclusions About Kirk’s Alleged Shooter’s Ideology
Utah Governor’s Office via AP
Pundits and journalists alike are warning against jumping to conclusions about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s alleged shooter’s ideology after the messages inscribed on his bullet casings were released Friday.
Elle Reeve, who covers extremism for CNN, warned, “Be careful trying to decipher the true political beliefs” of people “wrapped up in so many layers of irony.”
22-year-old Tyler Robinson of St. George, Utah, allegedly fired the bullet that killed Kirk at Wednesday’s Utah Valley University event. Law enforcement announced he was in custody Friday morning. Authorities additionally announced they had recovered Robinson’s “high-powered, bolt-action rifle” from a nearby wooded area.
The casings found were engraved with the messages, “*notices bulge* OWO what’s this?”, “Hey Fascist! Catch!” followed by an up arrow symbol, a right arrow symbol, and three down arrow symbols, “Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao,” and “If you read this, you are gay LMAO.”
Social media has since been filled with speculation on the meanings behind the inscriptions. The Bulwark’s Tim Miller shed light on the “*notices bulge* OWO what’s this?” message, emphasizing Robinson was likely referencing a popular meme that seems to describe finding out a female-presenting individual is transgender.
The Bulwark’s Andrew Egger also pointed out that while many online are claiming that the up arrow symbol, right arrow symbol, and three down arrow symbols found on one of the casings refer to Antifa, they actually seem to reference the video game “Helldivers 2.”
As for the ‘Bella Ciao’ reference, pundits encourage the public to withhold judgment, as it seems it could refer to an Italian antifascist song, or reference the video game “Hearts of Iron 4.”
One throughline remains throughout this commentary: the alleged gunman was chronically online. A Facebook post from Robinson’s mother, shared by independent journalist Jason Paladino, describes her son’s Halloween costume as “some guy from a meme.”
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