The message engraved on a spent bullet casing recovered after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk links to online trolling and the "furry" role‑play subculture, digital culture researchers told The Post, suggesting the person who wrote it was deeply embedded in internet communities.
An arrest affidavit filed in the case identified the wording on one casing as "Notices Buldge OWO what's this?" and tied the inscription to 22‑year‑old suspect Tyler Robinson, a trade‑school student from Utah who has been charged in the killing. Experts described the phrase as a meme and copypasta used in online role‑play and trolling, and said the wording functions as an in‑group signal among people who spend substantial time on social platforms.
Queens College media studies Associate Professor Jamie Cohen said the "Notices buldge" meme often depicts two people — one shown with cat ears — interacting online in what appears to be a catfishing scenario. "What’s this" marks the moment of realization in the meme, Cohen said, while "OWO" is an emoticon representing a cutesy animal face. Alex Turvy, a sociology PhD who researches digital cultures, described "OWO" as common in online role play and among self‑identified furries, adding that the phrase can act as a marker of internet fluency.
Other inscriptions on unfired casings allegedly belonging to Robinson included "Hey fascist! Catch!" with arrow marks that the New York Times reported could reference controller movements in the video game Helldivers 2, and a casing etched with "if you read this, you are gay lmao" alongside the Italian resistance song title "Bella Ciao," historically associated with anti‑fascist movements.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, asked about the inscriptions, said in public remarks that he would "leave that up to you to interpret," but noted the "Hey fascist! Catch!" phrase "speaks for itself." Officials investigating the case said Robinson harbored strong disdain for Kirk and had expressed hatred to people close to him, and that he acted alone, according to public statements and court filings.
Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking at an event held outside Utah Valley University. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The killing prompted broad condemnation from elected officials and a swift law‑enforcement response; Robinson was detained more than a day after the shooting. Authorities say Robinson was turned in by his father and at one point threatened to kill himself rather than surrender.
Observers and researchers cautioned against over‑reading isolated inscriptions, noting that internet phrases can be used jokingly, as trolling, or to signal group membership without indicating a single, clear motive. "They show someone who’s very at home on the Internet, who has a community there and demonstrates that they are in and get it," Turvy said. Cohen added that the messages "might not have a greater meaning, or they could mean everything," underscoring the difficulty of translating online language into concrete intent.
Investigators have recovered a bolt‑action rifle and multiple casings from the scene and are pursuing ballistic and digital forensics as part of the broader inquiry. Prosecutors have moved to charge Robinson with aggravated murder, and authorities have said the probe remains active as they assemble evidence and interview witnesses.
The inscriptions and the case have drawn attention from media and online communities, highlighting the ways niche internet culture, memes and gaming references can surface in criminal investigations. As the legal process continues, officials said they will release additional evidence and details through formal channels rather than through social speculation.