Authorities in Utah have revealed disturbing new details about the arrest of Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University. Kirk, who was struck in the neck during the shooting, survived the attack, prompting a statewide manhunt that ended with Robinson’s capture earlier this week.
Strange Engravings on Bullet Casings
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that investigators discovered unusual inscriptions on both used and unused bullet casings linked to the suspect. One fired casing reportedly contained the phrase:
“Notices bulges OWO, What’s this?”
Meanwhile, unfired casings were marked with more provocative messages, including:
-
“Hey fascist! Catch!”
-
“Oh Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao ciao ciao.”
Perhaps most bizarre was another casing etched with directional arrows: Up, Right, Down, Down, Down. Law enforcement sources and online gaming communities quickly connected this sequence to the Helldivers 2 Stratagem system, a feature in the 2024 PlayStation and PC co-op shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios.
In Helldivers 2, players can input combinations on the controller’s D-pad to summon support items and weaponry during missions. The specific code engraved on the casing corresponds to the Eagle 500kg Bomb Stratagem, a devastating explosive drop used against alien swarms and robotic enemies.
Motive Still Unknown
While the gaming reference has fueled speculation about the shooter’s intentions or mental state, authorities have stressed that the connection remains circumstantial. Investigators have yet to confirm whether Robinson deliberately referenced the game or if the inscription held another meaning entirely.
Reports from CNN indicate that Robinson had previously expressed dislike toward Charlie Kirk to family members, though he was not affiliated with any political party and had abstained from voting in the last two U.S. elections. At this time, no official motive has been established.
Broader Implications
The unusual mix of political violence and pop culture symbolism has raised questions among both the public and experts. The use of engravings—particularly ones referencing songs, slogans, and video games—suggests that Robinson may have been attempting to leave behind cryptic messages or statements.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to surface regarding Robinson’s background, state of mind, and whether the Helldivers 2 Stratagem code was a deliberate nod to gaming culture or an unrelated coincidence. For now, what remains clear is that a shocking act of violence has intersected with an unexpected pop-culture reference, drawing widespread attention to a case that is still developing.
