Authorities investigating the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University have said the bullets and casings recovered from the scene were engraved with anti-fascist slogans, internet meme references and lines from the song "Bella Ciao." The 22-year-old suspect, identified by police as Tyler Robinson, was arrested after being turned in by a family member, authorities said.
Kirk, who had been participating in an on-stage debate as part of his "American Comeback Tour," was shot in the neck during a discussion with a student about mass shootings and later pronounced dead, according to law enforcement statements. Robinson was taken into custody Thursday night following the shooting, which occurred Wednesday at the university in Orem, Utah.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox displayed casings at a Friday news conference and said the inscriptions included anti-fascist messages, a slogan reading "Hey Fascists, Catch!" alongside what was described as a video-game bomb-strategy reference, and lyrics from the Italian partisan song "Bella Ciao." Officials also said one engraving referenced a 2013 internet meme intended to mock furry and transgender communities. Authorities said the engraved rounds were loaded into the rifle believed to have been used in the shooting.
Investigators have described the engravings as part of the evidence they are examining in determining motive. A probable cause affidavit filed in the case charges Robinson with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice, and law enforcement has said the case is ongoing.
Robinson was identified by his father after photos circulated publicly, and family members told police the suspect had recently expressed anger toward Kirk, according to statements from Gov. Cox and law enforcement. Gov. Cox said Robinson's family became concerned after a dinner during which they said he discussed his dislike of Kirk and his views; the family reported the comments to police after the shooting. Sources have told reporters that Robinson initially resisted turning himself in but was persuaded to do so after conversations with his father and a local youth minister who works with the U.S. Marshals Service.
Public records cited by local reporting indicate Robinson does not have a recorded political party affiliation and did not vote in the last two elections. His parents are registered Republicans, according to the same records. Officials have cautioned that evidence is still being reviewed and that statements about the engravings and other materials are part of an active investigation.
"Bella Ciao," the phrase engraved on at least one casing, is an Italian folk song that was adapted as an anti-fascist partisan anthem during World War II. Scholars trace its origins to the late 19th century, when versions of the melody and lyrics were sung by laborers working in northern Italian rice fields. During World War II the song acquired new lyrics and symbolism tied to the Italian resistance; it is sung each year on Italy's Liberation Day to commemorate the fall of the fascist regime.
The song experienced a global revival after its repeated use in the 2017 Spanish Netflix series "Money Heist" (La Casa de Papel), where it appears as a symbol of resistance in the show's narrative. The program's use of the song and the show's visual iconography helped propel the tune back into international popular culture and protest movements, and it has been performed and recorded in numerous languages since the mid-20th century.
Officials said investigators are considering all available evidence as they seek to establish a timeline and motive. Robinson faces multiple felony counts in state court, and authorities have said federal partners are assisting in the investigation. Court proceedings have not yet produced a trial date, and prosecutors have said additional charges could be filed as the inquiry continues.
The shooting and subsequent revelations about the engraved bullets have prompted renewed attention to security at political and cultural events and to online and offline indicators that may precede violent acts. Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information about the shooting or related communications to contact investigators. Media organizations and public officials have called for restraint as authorities continue to gather and verify evidence in the case.