The Age of the Meme Shooter Is Here

The Age of the Meme Shooter Is Here

Online nihilism is spilling over into real-world violence.

People wait in line for a prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk outside the Kennedy Center in Washington on Sept. 14. September 15, 2025, 4:37 PM Comment icon View Comments ( )

Following the killing of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk, confusion has mounted about the motives of the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson. Despite uncorroborated claims by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox that Robinson was steeped in “leftist ideology,” Robinson’s personal politics aren’t yet clear and may never be. Pundits and other commentators have struggled to fit him into the familiar mold of a politically motivated killer.

Part of the confusion is the memes. According to a police affidavit