A wave of misinformation has spread online following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Orem, Utah. Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, but false claims about the suspect and circumstances have proliferated.
One claim falsely identified the shooter before officials released information. Another alleged Robinson was a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, but the group confirmed no member by that name exists. A photo of a man resembling Robinson in a DSA shirt has circulated, but the organisation declined to confirm his identity for privacy and safety reasons.
A video circulating online was falsely claimed to show the real shooter escaping. In fact, it depicted a different individual, Dakota Hawver, fleeing a shooting in Reno, Nevada, that occurred a month before Kirk's death. Hawver died in hospital after being shot by police.
Social media posts also claimed Democrats opposed a moment of prayer for Kirk in the House of Representatives. While some clips show chaos after a request for spoken prayer, they omit that a silent prayer was observed without objection. Speaker Mike Johnson requested a moment of silence, which was honoured, before a subsequent call for an audible prayer drew protests.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that Robinson's family noted he had become 'more political in recent years' and had criticised Kirk. Ammunition found at the scene bore taunting, anti-fascist and meme culture engravings. Robinson's voter registration is inactive and not affiliated with any party.
