In the wake of a chilling assassination attempt that rocked the conservative world, the internet is abuzz with one bizarre detail: a meme-engraved bullet casing linked to the shooting of prominent right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. On September 10, 2025, during a heated debate event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Kirk was struck by a single rifle shot from a rooftop sniper, collapsing mid-sentence after fielding a provocative question about transgender mass shooters. The incident, captured on live video, sent shockwaves through political circles, with former President Donald Trump demanding the death penalty for the perpetrator and thousands mourning Kirk as an “American legend” at his funeral planning stage. But what truly captivates – and confounds – the public is the cryptic inscription on the spent bullet casing: “Notices Bulge OwO What’s This!?” This phrase, blending transgender innuendo, furry subculture humor, and anti-fascist undertones, has ignited a firestorm of speculation. Is it a juvenile online joke gone lethal, or a deliberate manifesto etched in brass? As investigators unravel the mind of suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, the meme’s origins reveal a darker underbelly of internet culture clashing with real-world violence.

The shooting unfolded amid Kirk’s “Prove Me Wrong” tour, where the Turning Point USA founder was challenging liberal viewpoints on campuses. Eyewitnesses described chaos as Kirk, 31, clutched his chest following the 30.06 bolt-action rifle shot, with the bullet piercing his torso. Surveillance footage showed a figure in dark clothing fleeing the scene, leading to a 33-hour manhunt that ended with Robinson’s arrest on September 12. A family member recognized him from FBI-released images, and Discord messages from his roommate confirmed he had discussed acquiring the rifle. But the real bombshell came from the four inscribed bullet casings found near the discarded weapon: one fired (the one that hit Kirk), and three unfired. Alongside anti-fascist slogans like “Hey fascist! Catch!” and a reference to the Italian partisan anthem “Bella Ciao,” the fired casing bore the meme phrase that has meme lords and investigators scratching their heads.

To decode “Notices Bulge OwO What’s This!?,” we must dive into the chaotic world of internet memes. Originating around 2018-2019 on platforms like 4chan, Reddit, and furry forums, the phrase is a copypasta – a repeatable block of text used for trolling. “OwO” is an emoticon popularized in anime (“weeb”) and furry communities, mimicking wide-eyed surprise or cuteness, often stylized as cat-like expressions (think wide eyes and a fanged mouth). The full line, “Notices your bulge OwO what’s this?,” typically plays on sexual innuendo: “noticing the bulge” alludes to spotting male genitalia, often in a flirtatious or mocking way toward someone perceived as trying to hide their gender or orientation. In furry fandom – a subculture of animal role-players, many of whom identify as LGBTQ+ – it’s used in low-quality roleplay scenarios, poking fun at awkward erotic encounters. Transgender ties emerge from the “bulge” reference, which humorously (or crudely) highlights pre- or non-operative trans experiences, blending curiosity with objectification. It’s not inherently political but has been weaponized in online debates about gender identity, especially by trolls targeting conservatives like Kirk, who has vocally opposed transgender rights, including sports participation and youth transitions.

Robinson’s background adds layers of intrigue. The Utah native, who briefly attended Utah State University in 2021, was described by relatives as increasingly political, with dinner conversations fixating on Kirk’s event. Neighbors reported seeing him kissing a transgender partner weeks prior – someone fully cooperating with the FBI and claiming ignorance of the plot. Online sleuths link Robinson to Discord and furry circles, where anti-fascist rhetoric mixes with meme culture. The inscriptions suggest a motive blending ideology and irony: labeling Kirk a “fascist” while mocking him with a meme that flips conservative fears of transgender “threats” (echoing the debate question Kirk fielded moments before the shot). Experts like Know Your Meme’s Don Caldwell speculate it was a “funny gag” meant for investigators, turning the crime scene into a viral troll. Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the engravings during a press conference, noting they reflect “online trolling humor” steeped in left-wing subcultures, though ATF analysts are still verifying authenticity amid initial misreads (like confusing ammo markings for “transgender ideology”).

This meme’s weaponization underscores a troubling evolution of digital culture. What starts as harmless furry flirtation or 4chan bait can escalate into real hatred, especially in polarized times. Kirk’s death – ruled a homicide – has amplified calls for campus security and online radicalization probes, with Trump vowing justice on Fox & Friends. Yet, the “OwO” bullet humanizes the absurdity: a 22-year-old’s twisted farewell, perhaps born from obsession with virtual worlds over real consequences. As Robinson awaits trial, the phrase lingers as a reminder – curiosity killed the cat, but memes might just kill the conversation. What other dark jokes are hiding in plain sight? The internet’s underbelly demands scrutiny before it strikes again.