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The assassination of far-right commentator Charlie Kirk is being used by extremist groups in the United States to pull in new members. These groups call themselves “active clubs.” They are made up of neo-Nazis who train in gyms and parks, often mixing with white nationalist gangs. Authorities see them as one of the biggest domestic terrorism threats right now.
Even though Kirk’s suspected killer doesn’t fit the story these groups want to tell, they have still jumped at the chance to use his death. On social media, they are pushing the idea that white men should join their fight. They say the current political climate is the perfect time to spread their radical message.
Experts who study the far right are warning about this trend. Joshua Fisher-Birch said active clubs are openly using Kirk’s killing to recruit. Heidi Beirich from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism added that his death has become a rallying cry for some of the most dangerous extremist circles. She believes we may see more extremist protests in Kirk’s name in the coming days.
On Telegram and other platforms, these groups have been spreading hateful memes and shocking posts. One message even told people to watch the video of Kirk’s body as a way to motivate them to join. Another meme showed him with blood splatters and the words, “The time for debating liberals is over.”
What makes this even stranger is that Kirk was not part of their movement. Many of these groups admitted online that they didn’t see him as a friend. Some even accused him of being tied to Israel, which they hate. Still, they also admitted that Kirk’s work helped spread far-right talking points into the mainstream. For that reason, they are treating his death as fuel for their cause.
Kirk’s assassination has now become something far more dangerous than just a tragedy. It has opened a new door for extremists to organize, recruit, and grow louder in public.