Federal investigators have extended their investigation into the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to include whether anti-trans or far-left groups had foreknowledge of the attack. The FBI is reviewing online groups and social media posts linked to the September 10 killing at Utah Valley University.
According to law enforcement sources who spoke with the New York Post, investigators are looking into whether online communities like Armed Queers SLC or gaming groups on Steam provided a warning or aid.
A group named Armed Queers SLC deactivated its Instagram account soon after the shooting. The group held a "queer resistance" event at the University of Utah in 2023 that included images of AK-47s and communist symbols.
Unconfirmed social media postings have also caused concern. One post, written a day before the attack, said, "Charlie Kirk is coming to my college tomorrow. I really hope someone evaporates him literally." The same account later added, "Let's just say something big will happen tomorrow." After the shooting, the user denied involvement but quickly changed usernames.
Another TikTok handle issued the warning: "Charles James Kirk. Mr. College Dropout does NOT know what is coming tomorrow. Be prepared ... This is not a threat; this is a promise." The post called the next day, "A BADDD day to be Charlie." Those messages are now under federal scrutiny.
22-year-old Tyler Robinson was apprehended by authorities following a 33-hour manhunt. Robinson, prosecutors say, has connections to fringe left-wing politics and voiced praise for trans activism. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson was "highly indoctrinated with leftist ideology." He also said Robinson's live-in partner, who is transgender, is working with investigators.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while pretending to answer a question about transgender issues and mass shootings. The killing has sent shock waves through conservative circles. President Donald J. Trump and some Republican lawmakers have accused the political left of creating an environment that escalated violence.
Prosecutors will likely file charges against Robinson this week. Investigators are still working to determine whether he acted alone and who else may have encouraged the attack in online networks. The FBI's broadening scope on online groups points to mounting concerns about online radicalization and the part extremist rhetoric plays in feeding political violence.
