On September 12, Utah Governor Spencer Cox held a press conference to announce the capture of a suspect, Tyler Robinson, in the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Cox expressed gratitude for the support in finding the suspect and stated that the case offered an opportunity to bring closure to a dark chapter in American history. However, for many observers, the tone of finality in Cox’s remarks seemed premature, as there was no forensic evidence, no bullet matching the weapon, and no publicly released footage of Robinson’s involvement in the act. Internet sleuths have scrutinized the official narrative, while social media platforms like X and YouTube have been flooded with content questioning the details of the shooting. Conservative commentators, such as Candace Owens, have gained significant attention by analyzing the case and challenging the official account. The skepticism has focused on several key elements, including the type of weapon used and the absence of an exit wound, which have sparked extensive debate among experts and the public.
One of the primary areas of question is the use of a 30-06 Mauser rifle, which investigators claim was used to kill Kirk. Despite Robinson being in possession of this weapon, gun experts argue that a direct hit from this high-powered rifle would have caused extensive damage to Kirk’s body, including a significant portion of his neck, as opposed to the reported injuries. Video analyses from gun enthusiasts have shown that the type of injury Kirk suffered does not align with a direct impact from a 30-06. Additionally, there has been no photographic evidence of Robinson with the weapon at the scene, and the individual does not appear to be holding it when captured on surveillance footage jumping off the roof of the Losee Center after the shooting. This further fuels the debate over whether Robinson was indeed the perpetrator.
Another point of contention is the lack of an exit wound. The surgeon who treated Kirk reportedly stated that the bullet should have exited the body, and it would have caused severe damage, potentially taking down larger animals like elk or moose. However, the surgeon also suggested that the bullet was stopped by Kirk’s body, a claim that many find implausible and question as an attempt to romanticize the event. Gun experts have dismissed this explanation as highly unlikely, with one commentator stating that the likelihood of this scenario is virtually nonexistent. This contradiction has sparked further skepticism about the official account of the shooting.
The absence of footage capturing the actual shooting has also drawn attention. While the FBI released footage of Robinson running across the roof of the Losee Center, the video only shows the individual in motion, not the moment of the firing. This has led many to question whether the footage has been edited or whether the suspect was even the one who fired the shot. The lack of forensic evidence, including no CCTV capturing the shooting itself, has made it difficult to determine the exact events that transpired on that day.
Other controversies have arisen from the handling of the crime scene. A man was filmed removing a camera mounted behind where Kirk had been sitting, seemingly attempting to secure evidence for the authorities. Though this action may be a potential felony, no legal action has been taken. Meanwhile, the site where the shooting occurred was reportedly rebuilt shortly after the incident, which has led to further questions about the integrity of the forensic investigation. These unanswered questions have significantly contributed to the public’s skepticism about the official narrative, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the investigation.