Following the arrest of Tyler Robinson, who allegedly assassinated Charlie Kirk, investigators found bullets engraved with various phrases.
According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, bullets from the rifle carried unusual engravings — including internet memes, insults, and anti-fascist references.
The suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Washington, Utah, was arrested after what authorities describe as both a tip-off and a family confession. He remains in custody without bail.
Rifle and casings carried bizarre engravings
Cox said investigators recovered one fired casing and three unfired rounds from a .30-06 bolt-action rifle equipped with a scope. Each carried strange engravings, per NBC News.
“The rifle had a scope mounted on top of it. Investigators noted inscriptions that had been engraved on casings found with the rifle. Inscriptions on a fired casing read: ‘Notices, bulges, OwO what’s this?’” Cox explained Friday.
Other casings carried the following phrases: “Hey fascist! CATCH!” with arrow symbols, “O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Ciao, ciao," and “If you read this, you are GAY Lmao."
Cox said he would not interpret the engravings but added: “Well, I will leave that up to you to interpret what those engravings mean. I think the clearest one that says ‘catch fascist’ . . . I think that speaks for itself.”
Meaning behind the engravings
The phrase “Notices, bulges, OwO what’s this?” is recognized as an online meme tied to roleplaying and the furry community, often used humorously in internet circles.
“OwO” itself is a text-based emoticon, with wide eyes represented by the O’s and a small mouth by the “w.” The line “What’s this?” adds a tone of mock surprise.
Meanwhile, “Bella Ciao” is a historic anti-fascist folk song sung by Italian resistance fighters during World War II.
Discord messages add chilling layer to investigation
Beyond the engravings, authorities also uncovered private Discord messages allegedly sent by Robinson.
According to FBI officials, his roommate turned over conversations where Robinson discussed retrieving the rifle and leaving it wrapped in a towel at a drop point.
The FBI confirmed Robinson admitted responsibility for the shooting during conversations with family members.
He was also caught on security footage fleeing the scene after firing into the crowd at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Family and political tensions
Robinson’s relatives told investigators that he had become increasingly political in recent years. Governor Cox said: “They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had. The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.”
Robinson had previously criticized Kirk at a college event, allegedly describing him as “spreading hate.” Officials believe he acted alone, though the case remains under review.