Prosecutors on Thursday revealed details about engraved ammunition allegedly used in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, including text messages exchanged by the suspect, Tyler Robinson, and a transgender lover.
During a preliminary hearing in Utah County court, prosecutors presented evidence that a spent round recovered near the hunting rifle used in Kirk's Sept. 10 killing was etched with the phrase, “Notices Bulge/OwO/What’s This?” According to text messages shown to the court, Robinson allegedly texted his partner, Lance Twiggs, known as Luna, about the engraving, suggesting, “If I see ‘uwu notices bulge’ on fox new [sic] I might have a stroke.”
Experts described the engraving as a meme common in transgender and "furry" subcultures, referencing a surprise at genitalia, and noted it is a reference understood by those familiar with online culture. IMAGE2
Other ammunition found near the scene included rounds labeled with references to video games, such as one that read, “Hey fascist catch!” with symbols for a bomb in the game “Helldivers 2.” Another casing was marked “if you read this you are gay,” according to testimony from an officer with the Utah State Board of Investigation. A further inscription referenced an anti-fascist Italian song, “Bella ciao."
The hearing was held to determine if Robinson, 23, will proceed to trial for Kirk's murder. Prosecutors showed photographic exhibits of the engraved ammunition during the proceedings. IMAGE3
Earlier, Twiggs provided video testimony in exchange for limited immunity, acknowledging the texts and describing a tearful confession from Robinson. Twiggs stated that Robinson had asked him to engrave shell casings about a month before Kirk's death, though Twiggs initially believed Robinson intended to decorate them for a hunting trip.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, has advocated for the full, unredacted release of video evidence, aiming to counter what her attorney called "unhinged conspiracy theories" surrounding her husband's death. A Utah judge allowed certain portions of Twiggs' video statement to be redacted.