In a deeply disturbing development, the man accused of murdering 26-year-old father Charlie Kirk had openly joked about killing people on social media mere days before the fatal shooting.
Bryon Brockway, 26, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the violent incident outside a bar in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, which claimed the life of Mr. Kirk. The victim was a young father known to his family and friends.
Chilling social media posts, reviewed by investigators, reveal Brockway making light of violence. In one particularly sinister exchange, when asked by a friend what he was doing, Brockway replied: "Killing people." The friend responded with laughter, unaware of the horrifying reality that would soon unfold.
The Coeur d'Alene Police Department confirmed that the shooting occurred in the early hours of the morning outside the Moon Time bar. Detectives are treating the social media posts as a critical part of their investigation into the suspect's state of mind prior to the attack.
Court documents state that the confrontation between Brockway and Kirk began inside the establishment before spilling out onto the street. It was there that Brockway allegedly produced a firearm and shot the victim.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Mr. Kirk was pronounced dead. His family has been notified and is receiving support from specially trained officers.
Brockway is currently being held without bond at the Kootenai County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing later this month, where prosecutors are expected to present their evidence, including the menacing social media posts.
This tragic case has sent shockwaves through the local community and highlights the terrifying potential of online threats escalating into real-world violence.
