Russian, Chinese bots active after Charlie Kirk shooting? Utah Gov. Cox warns: 'Our adversaries want violence'
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "Russian, Chinese bots active after Charlie Kirk shooting? Utah Gov. Cox warns: 'Our adversaries want violence'")
Utah Governor Spencer Cox Photograph: (Reuters)
Utah Governor Spencer Cox warns of Russian and Chinese bots spreading disinformation and inciting violence online after Charlie Kirk's assassination, as conspiracy theories and foreign interference surge on social media.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has claimed that Russian and Chinese bots are spreading “violence” online following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, a prominent right-wing commentator and close ally of Donald Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. His killer has not yet been caught.
At a press conference on Thursday, Cox said officials were monitoring a surge of disturbing posts on social media. “What we’re seeing is our adversaries want violence. We have bots from Russia, China, all over the world that are trying to instil disinformation and encourage violence,” he said.
Social media awash with conspiracy theories
The governor spoke of a “tremendous amount of disinformation” circulating online since the shooting. He urged people to disconnect, saying, “Turn off those streams and spend a little more time with our families. We desperately need some healing.”
Conspiracy theories, online feuds and graphic footage of the murder have spread widely across platforms. Donald Trump has already accused the “radical left” of being responsible.
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Also read: Charlie Kirk built Turning Point into a conservative powerhouse at the age of 18. What happens now?
Utah vows tough punishment if killer caught
Cox confirmed that the state would “pursue the death penalty in this case,” underlining the seriousness of the investigation. Attempts by foreign powers to sway public opinion in rival nations are not new, but social media has opened a fresh front for influence campaigns. Past intelligence assessments in the US have pointed to interference from Russia, China and Iran in domestic politics. All three countries deny involvement, including in elections and political affairs.
