A recently recovered bullet casing from the shooting that resulted in Charlie Kirk’s death featured a meme popular among both pro-transgender and furry communities online.
The casing was found in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, where some conservative influencers were speaking at the time. The inscription “What is this you don’t notice?” is a reference to a well-known “copypasta” meme meant for sharing among those who may not be familiar with certain internet culture.
This meme originated from DeviantArt back on January 6, 2013.
In more context, the phrase was previously used in June 2015 by two men in online role-play scenarios, which they shared on platforms like Imgur and Tumblr.
The references suggest a connection to a furry subculture that revolves around an interest in anthropomorphic animal characters.
Interestingly, a recent study indicated that the proportion of furries identifying as transgender is 25 times higher than that of the general adult population.
Additionally, about 22% of respondents in the same survey identified as non-binary or gender nonconforming.
The used cartridge was from a .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle, noted for its telescopic sights and manual cycling mechanism between shots. This type of rifle has been employed in hunting various large game across the U.S.
After the shooting, investigators retrieved this rifle, which still contained three other cartridges, each engraved with their own internet meme references.
These included phrases like “Oh Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao Ciao,” a line from the game Helldivers 2, and “If you read this, you’re a gay lmao.”
Kirk was struck by a powerful bullet fired from a distance of about 200 yards from an elevated position.
Authorities have not yet clarified if Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter, was motivated by issues surrounding trans rights.
Robinson’s partner, Lance Twiggs, is transgender, and photos circulated show Twiggs wearing elements typical of furry culture.
During the incident, Kirk was speaking on the topic of transgender mass shootings, which had been a focal point for him.
The phrase “Notices Bulge,” a reference to male anatomy, has become prevalent in both furry and trans circles, according to recent trend analyses.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, Utah Governor Spencer Cox suggested that Robinson might face the death penalty and criticized social media for its adverse effects on public discourse.
He expressed concerns about how dopamine-driven engagement on social media has the potential to incite rage and contribute to dangerous behavior.
Notably, Governor Cox mentioned that Robinson has not cooperated with authorities during their investigation, although people close to him have provided information.
Cox also stated that Robinson appears “deeply indoctrinated into left-wing ideology,” reflecting the insights gathered from his friends and family.
