logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2025
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
Today
What could happen if the US strikes Iran?
For three weeks, the world has been watching to see whether Donald Trump will order military strikes on Iran. The US military has been building up forces close to the Islamic Republic, including an aircraft carrier and several warships which President Trump has been calling an “a ... Show More
26m 26s
Yesterday
How China beat the US on green energy
President Trump has withdrawn the US from the Paris climate agreement for the second time and also announced plans to leave the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. In his first year back in office, Trump has rolled back restrictions on oil, gas and coal – and has urged oth ... Show More
26m 49s
Feb 2
Is ISIS having a resurgence in Syria?
The US military has begun to transfer up to 7000 Islamic State (IS) group detainees held in prisons in Syria to Iraq, which officials say is to prevent prisoners breaking out and regrouping. The transfer comes weeks after the US led large-scale strikes on IS group targets in Syri ... Show More
27m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
1060: The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
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 troublin ... Show More
1h 27m
Sep 2025
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 2025
'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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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