The arrest of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has sparked widespread attention not only for the crime itself but also for Robinson’s reported “furry fixation.” Investigators said engravings on the sniper’s spent casing referenced internet memes tied to furry fandom and transgender communities, fueling public curiosity about what the term “furry” means.
What is the furry subculture?
The furry subculture is a global online and offline community centered around anthropomorphic animal characters—animals with humanlike traits such as the ability to talk, walk upright, or express human emotions.
- Members of the community, known as furries, often create a “fursona”—a personalized character that represents them, usually an animal with human features.
- They explore their interests through art, writing, online role-playing, conventions, and wearing costumes called fursuits.
- For some, furry fandom is a form of creative expression or escapism, while for others it carries a sexual or erotic component.
The meaning of “OwO” and the meme
One of the engravings on Robinson’s bullet casing read:
“Notices bulge OwO, what’s this?”
This phrase is a meme that originated in 2013 on DeviantArt and has since spread across online communities.
- “OwO” is an emoticon used to depict a cute or surprised face. The “O” characters represent eyes, while the “w” represents a nose or mouth.
- In furry and online subcultures, it is often used flirtatiously, ironically, or to troll others.
- The phrase “notices bulge” refers to male genitalia and is commonly associated with sexualized furry memes.
Tyler Robinson’s connection to furry fandom
According to investigators and media reports:
- Robinson reportedly had a “furry fixation,” which in his case may have been sexual in nature.
- He was living with a transgender partner, Lance Twiggs, who has also been linked by some reports to the furry community.
- The engraving on the casing, combined with other online traces, has drawn connections between Robinson and furry or transgender internet subcultures.
Not all furries are sexual
Experts emphasize that while furry fandom can include erotic interests, it is not inherently sexual. Many participants engage with the community for:
- Art and creativity (digital art, comics, animation).
- Role-playing and online games.
- Community and identity-building, including safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Thus, the subculture is diverse and not limited to sexual expression.
Other engravings on Robinson’s weapon
Robinson’s rifle reportedly contained additional rounds engraved with different messages:
- “Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao” — lyrics from the Italian anti-fascist song Bella Ciao.
- “Hey fascist! Catch!” — paired with a reference to the video game Helldivers 2.
- “If you read this, you are gay LMAO.” — a mocking internet meme.
The variety of inscriptions suggests Robinson was deeply immersed in meme culture, blending political, sexual, and internet references into the attack.
Key takeaways
- Furry subculture involves fascination with anthropomorphic animals; participants are called furries.
- “OwO” is an emoticon popular in furry and online meme culture, often used flirtatiously or satirically.
- Tyler Robinson’s case ties the fandom to a violent crime, but experts stress most furries are non-violent and motivated by creativity or identity rather than sexuality.
- Robinson’s engravings reflect a mix of internet meme culture, politics, and subcultural references.