logo
episode-header-image
Sep 16
24m 4s

The dark memes behind Charlie Kirk’s mur...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

The assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk shocked America and exposed the depth of its political divides. Since a suspect has been arrested, the search for clear motive has only become more complicated.

In today’s episode, the BBC’s Social Media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring examines the meaning of the inscriptions on the bullet casings associated with the murder. The markings take us into the dark corners of the internet, but what do they tell us about why Charlie Kirk was killed?

Producers: Cat Farnsworth, Aron Keller and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins

Image: Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Cheney Orr/Reuters

Up next
Nov 21
Is there a genocide of white South Africans as Trump claims?
<p>The US is essentially boycotting this weekend’s G20 summit in South Africa over accusations that the white Afrikaners are ‘being killed and slaughtered’ and that white farmers are having their land ‘illegally confiscated. The South African government say the claims are "widely ... Show More
31m 37s
Nov 20
What is Sudan’s war really about?
<p>** This episode contains some very distressing details, including of killings, sexual violence and the experiences of children in war** </p><p>More than 150,000 people have been killed and about 12 million have been forced from their homes since Sudan's civil war began in 2023 ... Show More
26m 37s
Nov 19
The oil lobbyist who tried to sink the first big climate deal
<p>The American lawyer, oil lobbyist and master strategist Don Pearlman is said to have chain-smoked his way through almost every UN climate gathering from the early 1990s until his death in 2005. </p><p>Some of those who saw Pearlman operate in Kyoto, where the first legally bin ... Show More
26m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 13
From Washington: Manhunt Ends, Suspected Charlie Kirk Assassin Arrested
On Friday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) announced that the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been arrested. Tyler Robinson, 22, was identified as the suspect in the killing, bringing the manhunt to an end. FOX News Justice Correspondent David Sp ... Show More
33m 43s
Sep 17
The Plan to Turn Charlie Kirk's Murder Into a Crackdown on the Left
<p>On Tuesday, prosecutors charged the man suspected of killing Charlie Kirk with aggravated murder, vowed to seek the death penalty and released a mountain of new evidence against him.</p><p>Jack Healy, who has been covering the killing of Mr. Kirk for The New York Times, explai ... Show More
34m 19s
Sep 12
The Aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s Killing
<p>We look at the hunt for the killer of the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and at the political fallout of his assassination.</p><p>Nicholas Bogel-Borroughs, an investigative reporter at The New York Times, discusses why the police are struggling to answer basic questions abou ... Show More
27m 24s
Sep 12
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
<p>Charlie Kirk, one of the most influential voices in the MAGA movement and the co-founder of Turning Point USA, is shot and killed during a speaking event in Utah. Jon and Dan react to the news and discuss the reactions from the left and right, and why we're seeing such a troub ... Show More
1h 27m
Sep 11
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
<p>Charlie Kirk, the conservative organizer, activist and media mogul, died on Wednesday after being shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University.</p><p>Mr. Kirk brought millions of young Americans in to the Republican Party, and to the ballot box for Donald Trump.</p><p>R ... Show More
37m 5s
Sep 12
'WE GOT HIM' - Charlie's Killer In Custody | Episode 124
The suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination has been captured. Is this case closed, or the start of a much bigger investigation? Watch VINCE Live on Rumble - Mon-Fri 10AM ET ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://rumble.com/vince⁠⁠⁠⁠ He was asking Charlie Kirk a question. Then a shot rang out. https://www ... Show More
48m 21s
Sep 12
Special Episode: A Suspect Is Caught in Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
<p>On Friday morning, the police in Utah said they had arrested a suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination, ending a manhunt that had stretched over 33 hours. In this special episode of The Daily, we break down what we know about the arrest and the alleged killer’s motives.</p><p> ... Show More
8m 50s
Sep 15
The President’s Path: The killing of Charlie Kirk
The killing of Charlie Kirk triggers shockwaves through the US, sparking grief, anger, and debate over politics, political violence and America’s future.On this live episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr discuss the killing of Charlie Kirk, reacti ... Show More
25m 37s
Sep 11
Rest In Peace Charlie Kirk | Episode 123
On the anniversary of 9/11, we look at Charlie Kirk's life and all the good he's done as well as the political environment in America that got us here. News Picks: Charlie Kirk noting assassination culture on the left months ago https://x.com/charliekirk11/status/1909391943802703 ... Show More
57m 16s
Sep 11
Charlie Kirk's America
The fatal shooting of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk has reignited a debate about political violence, even as authorities search for his killer. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Rebeca Ibarra with help from Jolie Myers, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by ... Show More
26m 33s