Exclusive: Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, a gun club known for its left-leaning ideology has distributed a recruitment flyer at Georgetown University that references Kirk’s death.
“Hey fascist! Catch!” reads a bold message from the John Brown Gun Club’s flyer, now posted on the university’s campus. This slogan seems to echo a phrase found on a shell casing related to the alleged murder of Kirk at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
A Georgetown sophomore, Shae McInnis, who is also the treasurer of the College Republican Club, encountered this flyer as she attended an activities committee meeting. She interpreted it as a direct threat. “It’s clear to me that this targets not just everyone on campus, but specifically conservatives. It signals that some students would rather see them harmed than engage in meaningful discussions,” she shared.
Interestingly, there’s been a noticeable rise in hostile rhetoric since the 2016 election, according to critics. “But this incident—the assassination of Charlie Kirk—really shifted the atmosphere. Many universities condemned the violence, yet I’ve seen some justifications for it emerge on social media,” a commentator noted.
The John Brown Gun Club has gained a reputation for showing up armed at various political events, often under the pretense of offering protection to those opposing right-wing groups. Allegations have surfaced linking this organization to a spree of violence against immigration enforcement.
In a broader sense, the frequency of political violence seems to have increased, particularly with incidents like the attempted assault at the Prairiland Detention Center in Texas, where multiple individuals targeted federal agents.
One of the suspects, Benjamin Song, a known antifa supporter, was involved in clashes with right-wing activists during a 2023 event. Additionally, a lawsuit has been initiated against Song and others involved in a violent incident at a local facility.
Interestingly, Charlie Kirk had previously warned that a growing “assassination culture” was taking root among leftist groups. The John Brown Gun Club, named after a historical militant who once led violent anti-slavery actions, has chapters nationwide, and its members have been linked to attempts at domestic terrorism.
“The university prides itself on being a diverse marketplace of ideas,” McInnis reflected. “But the tone has changed drastically. When I saw that flyer, I suddenly felt a real, personal threat regarding our conservative beliefs.”
Georgetown University has responded, clearly stating its stance against violence and threats. A spokesperson emphasized that the flyer has been removed and an investigation is underway to ensure the campus’s safety.
