Almost two weeks after the tragic killing of MAGA firebrand Charlie Kirk and the subsequent surrender of shooter Tyler Robinson, the FBI has turned its focus to some of the controversy theories doing rounds on social media as online sleuths raise questions on inconsistencies.
“We are meticulously investigating theories and questions, including the location from where the shot was taken, the possibility of accomplices, the text message confession and related conversations, Discord chats, the angle of the shot and bullet impact, how the weapon was transported, hand gestures observed as potential “signals” near Charlie at the time of his assassination, and visitors to the alleged shooter’s residence in the hours and days leading up to September 10, 2025,” Kash Patel posted on X.
“Some details are known today, while others are still being pursued to ensure every possibility is considered. Our primary focus is to complete this investigation and deliver justice. To protect the integrity of the investigation and subsequent prosecution, we cannot release every piece of information we have to the public right now. We will ensure every question is addressed at the appropriate moment,” added the FBI chief.
Complete and punctuated sentences
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that the agency is probing the confession messages that Tyler Robinson sent to his transgender roommate Lance Twiggs. This comes as Gen Z social media users pointed out that 22-year-olds do not communicate in complete and punctuated sentences.
Accomplices?
Another theory promoted by online sleuths was that Tyler Robinson did not act alone, raising suspicion about the activities of the Discord forum that had 20 members. The FBI is now looking into Tyler's conversations on Discord, Steam and other pro-trans groups where he was active.
Bullet trajectory and impact
FBI is also probing the vantage point from where Tyler Robinson allegedly shot Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. There were wild theories about the bullet's trajectory and impact after online sleuths began dissecting the uncensored video of the assassination. These graphic videos have since been removed from social media.
There were theories that the bullet first hit Kirk's chest and then ricocheted towards his neck. There is no confirmation regarding such rumours.
Hand signals
One of the first theories that floated online after the shooting was the alleged hand signals made by some spectators moments before Kirk was shot.
Escaping on plane
However, Patel dismissed one of the theories as a red herring. Reports claimed that a plane reportedly turned off its transponder after taking off from a nearby airport. The rumour spread before Tyler was arrested and claimed that the alleged assassin may have escaped in the private plane.
“Regarding specific details, such as questions about the plane that allegedly turned off its transponder after departing from an airport near the assassination site, we can share updates when answers are confirmed. After interviews with the pilot and consultation with the FAA, we determined the transponder was not turned off. Incomplete flight data in rural areas caused the apparent gap,” Patel posted.