Key Takeaways

• The bullet casings had messages like “Hey, fascist! Catch” and “If you read this, you are gay, lmao.”
• NBC’s Brandy Zadrozny called these engravings “internet speak” favored by young people.
• Interpretations range from memes and trolling to political statements.
• Authorities urge caution before drawing firm conclusions.
• Much about the accused shooter’s online presence remains unknown.

Moments after Utah’s governor named 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect, news crews spotted odd bullet casings near the crime scene. They bore phrases in English that seemed random. So an NBC journalist, Brandy Zadrozny, was asked to explain their meaning. Her answer raised more questions than it solved.

The Strange Messages on the Bullet Casings

On first glance, the bullet casings looked like they held clues to motive. In fact, investigators found at least five different engravings:

• “Hey, fascist! Catch”
• “If you read this, you are gay, lmao”
• “Oh, Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao”
• A row of up-and-down arrows
• “Notices, bulges what’s this?”

Each casing had one phrase or symbol. Yet no one knows if these words were meant seriously, as a prank, or something else entirely. Therefore, social media users quickly spun wild theories. Meanwhile, law enforcement and journalists urged calm.

Internet Speak and Memes

According to Brandy Zadrozny, these bullet casings showcase “internet speak.” In simple terms, that means slang, jokes, and references born online. For example, “Notices, bulges what’s this?” comes from a meme about gay or trans people. It first popped up on Discord or gaming chats as a teasing joke.

Similarly, the up-and-down arrows appear in a popular video game clip. Players use those arrows to signal a massive attack or total destruction. Thus, “Hey, fascist! Catch” plus the arrows might hint at violent intent against extremists. On the other hand, “Bella Ciao” is an anti-fascist anthem from Italy, made famous again by a hit TV show.

Finally, “If you read this, you are gay, lmao” is a direct internet taunt that laughs at the reader. It appears in chat rooms to tease or mock. Altogether, these engravings mix political slogans, game references, and online jokes.

Caution Before Drawing Conclusions

However, Zadrozny stressed we must take all this “with a grain of salt.” In other words, it is risky to treat every meme as a clear sign of motive. Internet users often troll by posting stuff they do not truly believe. Moreover, some people pretend to be someone else to confuse others.

So far, investigators have not found any of Robinson’s public profiles. He likely used Discord and other private platforms. As Zadrozny said, “He’s a child of the internet, he’s on the internet. But where he existed, we just don’t know yet.” Consequently, we cannot confirm if he held pro-trans views, anti-fascist beliefs, or was merely copying memes.

What We Still Don’t Know

Despite the bullet casings’ odd phrases, many questions remain:
• Did Robinson engrave these messages himself?
• Were they meant to threaten or to amuse?
• Could someone else have left them to mislead investigators?
• What other online activity, if any, ties him to extremist viewpoints?

Authorities continue to follow leads. They have not linked Robinson to any hate group or extremist cell. Yet they also cannot rule out political motivation. In short, they advise the public to watch for solid evidence before making judgments.

In the meantime, the community wrestles with fear and uncertainty. Some worry that violent messages on the bullet casings prove a hate crime. Others think it shows the power of internet culture to blur reality. Either way, the case underlines how online slang can complicate serious investigations.

Conclusion

The bullet casings found at the scene present a puzzle. They mix memes, jokes, and political slogans. According to experts, these texts may mean nothing more than a youthful prank—or they could signal deeper intent. For now, officials urge caution and further study. Only time and thorough investigation will reveal the truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the bullet casings found at the scene say?

They carried phrases like “Hey, fascist! Catch,” “If you read this, you are gay, lmao,” the anthem line “Bella Ciao,” up-down arrows, and a meme line about bulges.

Who explained the messages on the bullet casings?

NBC journalist Brandy Zadrozny described them as “internet speak” common among people in their early twenties.

What is meant by “internet speak”?

Internet speak refers to slang, memes, and coded jokes that spread online, often through social platforms and gaming communities.

Why should people be careful about drawing conclusions?

Because online jokes or symbols can be used sarcastically or to troll. Without clear evidence, it’s risky to assume motive or intent.