Groypers Trend Following Charlie Kirk’s Killing: What to Know

Social media has seen a surge in discussions surrounding the term “groyper” following the tragic killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in early March 2024. This uptick in attention is linked to reports suggesting that the suspect in this case may have connections to the so-called “groyper” movement, prompting many to seek clarity on what this term signifies.

Understanding the Groyper Movement

Groypers, or the “Groyper Army,” represent a loosely organized network of far-right activists and online trolls. The movement is largely associated with Nick Fuentes, a prominent figure known for his white nationalist, anti-immigration, and Christian nationalist ideologies. The term “groyper” derives from a meme featuring a distinctive, plump version of the well-known internet character, Pepe the Frog, which became the group’s mascot around 2017.

The primary objective of the Groyper movement is to infiltrate and influence mainstream conservative politics by promoting extremist views. They often target individuals and organizations within the conservative sphere whom they perceive as insufficiently right-wing. This tactic is exemplified in the so-called “Groyper Wars,” where activists attend conservative events, pose provocative questions about sensitive topics such as race and LGBTQ rights, and produce viral content designed to embarrass figures like Kirk or groups like Turning Point USA.

The Impact of Recent Events

The recent attention on Groypers can be attributed to the speculation surrounding Kirk’s death. Some commentators have suggested that the alleged shooter, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, may have been influenced by or associated with the Groyper movement. Investigators have yet to verify any connections to the group, and the claims appear to be based predominantly on online discussions and unconfirmed reports.

The Southern Poverty Law Center and other monitoring organizations have documented the Groyper movement as part of a broader strategy to repurpose white nationalist ideology for a younger, more internet-savvy demographic. Their use of memes and irony enhances the appeal of their messaging within far-right online communities, making their extremist views more accessible to a wider audience.

As discussions around the Groyper movement intensify, it becomes increasingly important to understand its ideology and its implications for the conservative landscape. The term “groyper” now refers to an online faction that effectively employs meme culture and trolling to normalize extreme perspectives, contributing to a complex and evolving dialogue about the future of conservative politics.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Kirk’s death have spotlighted this movement, highlighting the need for vigilance against the infiltration of extremist ideologies into mainstream political discourse. With ongoing investigations and public interest, the Groyper movement is likely to remain a topic of conversation in the weeks to come.