With the suspected shooter who assassinated right-wing activist Charlie Kirk having been turned in to authorities by his family, speculation is already flying about his ideology and motivations — but former Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA) has a blunt message for anyone trying to spin the case for political ends.
"If you’re trying to pretzel yourself into painting Tyler Robinson, a 22-year old, into a 'fascist' or 'leftist' model based on your rabid ideology, maybe you’re not seeing the bigger picture of what online radicalization is— because 'you' are the radicalized," said Riggleman, a moderate libertarian-leaning figure who in recent years became outspoken against the MAGA movement and advised the House January 6 Committee.
"Grifters and hate-miners are the problem with metastasizing hate and violence based on ignorance… and a serious deficiency is any moral standing. Sociopaths," Riggleman continued.
"Sanity folks. We need to Bring Sanity Back," he added in conclusion. "Condemn propaganda peddlers."
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, before the suspect was identified, a number of right-wing lawmakers, including Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), blamed Democrats for the tragedy.
So far, details are still emerging about the possible motive for Robinson's crime; his parents are registered Republicans, and he is not affiliated with a party. His writings appear to be extensively steeped in Internet memes and gaming culture, with an inscription scratched on a bullet casing in the attack referencing a weapon from the game Helldiver 2.