Bullet casings in Charlie Kirk assassination reportedly carried taunts like “Hey Fascist, Catch,” according to police

A man has been arrested in connection with the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Reports by TMZ state that, as per the police, bullet casings found with the weapon had messages like "Hey fascist, catch," "Bella Ciao," and "If you read this, you are gay, LMAO." These words may give clues about what the suspect was thinking before the shooting.

What is known about Charlie Kirk's assassination?

Reports by Reuters mention that Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday, September 10, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The suspect is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. He was arrested on Friday, September 12, after investigators say he was identified following tips from his father and other family members.

The reports by the New York Post further state that, in a press conference, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson had been acting more politically in recent times. He said Robinson had called Charlie Kirk "full of hate" and said that he was "spreading hate," and said other harsh things. Officials found a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a dark towel in a wooded area near the campus.

They also found bullet casings, some fired, some unfired, with words carved into them. As per the reports by Utah News Dispatch, TMZ, Reuters, and Fox 32 Chicago, these words include,

"Hey fascist! Catch!"

"Oh Bella, ciao, bella, ciao Bella ciao ciao ciao."

"If you read this, you are gay, LMAO."

And on one fired casing:

"Notices, bulges, OwO what's this?"

Governor Cox said one engraving "speaks for itself." He did not yet offer a full motive.

More background and what is still unclear

The reports by Reuters further mention that Charlie Kirk was giving a speech as part of his "American Comeback Tour." He was at a "Prove Me Wrong" event on the Utah Valley University campus, addressing a crowd. Surveillance videos and law enforcement say the shot came from a nearby roof, and then the suspect fled.

Investigators found Discord messages that may link Robinson to how the rifle was moved, where it was hidden, and how he planned. His roommate reportedly saw messages about leaving the weapon wrapped in a towel, leaving it in a bush, watching for someone, and needing to retrieve it later.

At this time, formal charges are expected to be filed soon. But details like the full motive, exact planning, and how the messages tie in are still under investigation. Many people have reacted. There is shock, sadness, and fear. Some call this a political assassination. Others worry about rising political anger. The phrase “Bella Ciao” is from an Italian song. It has been used before as a protest song against fascism.

These are the main facts at present. There are questions still unanswered about motive and exact intent, and investigators are saying that they will share more as they gather evidence.

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