Charlie Kirk’s Death Renews Focus on Far-Right Feuds and Extremism
The killing of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk has reignited debates surrounding internal divisions among far-right groups, putting a renewed spotlight on a yearslong feud between Kirk and extremist factions like the “Groyper Army,” led by white nationalist Nick Fuentes.
Kirk was fatally shot on September 10 during an appearance at Utah Valley University. While authorities continue to search for a motive in the shooting, online speculation has turned attention to the Groyper movement, which has historically criticized Kirk for not aligning with its more extreme views.
Though Kirk made headlines for his combative political style, some segments on the right viewed him as too mainstream. During events held in 2019 by his organization, Turning Point USA, Fuentes’ supporters showed up to challenge him over policies related to immigration and LGBTQ rights. Their accusations—calling Kirk a “gatekeeper” of establishment conservatism—marked the height of what became known as the “Groyper Wars.”
With growing interest in what fueled Kirk’s killing, the rhetoric and tactics of extremist groups like the Groyper Army are coming under new scrutiny. That includes questions over whether Kirk’s former critics could be linked to the incident, though investigators have yet to conclude what ideology the alleged shooter followed. Authorities identified a suspect late Thursday, and by Friday there were continued ambiguities surrounding the individual’s political motivation.
While early theories pointed to possible left-wing extremism, some social media users have raised doubts about that narrative. The suspect, according to police, had become “more political” in recent years. Markings found on bullet casings signal a possible connection to meme culture and include apparent references to anti-fascist symbols and digital provocations.
Background on the Groyper Army
The Groyper Army, organized by Nick Fuentes, supports a far-right ideology rooted in white nationalism and Christian traditionalism. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) describes the group as composed of individuals who embrace antisemitic, racist, and homophobic positions, often presented under the guise of defending conservative or family values.
The group’s mascot, a cartoon frog known as “Groyper,” is a variation of the “Pepe” meme that has long been associated with online far-right movements.
Origin of the Term ‘Groyper’
The label “Groyper” gained traction in 2019 following a public split within the conservative landscape. That year, Fuentes supporters disrupted several college campus appearances by Turning Point USA, attacking Kirk over his perceived departure from former President Donald Trump’s agenda.
This internal rebellion earned the nickname “Groyper Wars.” The events drew wider media coverage for the aggressive tactics used and for pushing white nationalist themes into broader right-wing dialogue. In response, Kirk labeled the group extremists and emphasized his vision for inclusion within the conservative movement, denouncing racism and anti-LGBTQ sentiment.
Fuentes’ Response Following the Shooting
Nick Fuentes has issued several statements in the aftermath of Kirk’s death. “I am devastated. It feels like a nightmare that we’ll never wake up from,” he wrote shortly after the incident. In another post, he urged for an end to the hostilities, declaring, “The violence and hatred has to stop. Our country needs Christ now more than ever.”
On September 12, Fuentes shifted his focus to the federal response, posting on X, “We need more from the Trump administration than what we’re getting. Release all the information about the assassin and his Discord contacts. Everyone must be investigated. Tell us the plan. How will the government stop this from ever happening again? Where is the leadership???”