What is a Groyper? Nick Fuentes movement back in spotlight after Charlie Kirk assassination

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has renewed attention on the Groyper Army, the far-right movement led by Nick Fuentes.

Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 during an appearance at Utah Valley University, sparking questions about potential extremist links in the case.

While investigators have not confirmed the gunman’s political motives, speculation has centered on factions that previously clashed with Kirk. In 2019, Fuentes’ supporters launched the so-called “Groyper Wars,” disrupting Turning Point USA events to accuse Kirk of being too moderate on issues such as immigration and LGBTQ rights. Kirk dismissed the group as extremist, insisting his brand of conservatism should remain inclusive.

The Groypers take their name from “Groyper,” a cartoon frog derived from the Pepe meme often associated with far-right online culture. According to the Anti-Defamation League, the Groyper Army consists of white nationalist, Christian nationalist, and alt-right activists who use rhetoric about traditional values while promoting antisemitic, racist, and homophobic views.

Following Kirk’s killing, Fuentes issued statements calling the event “a nightmare” and urging unity, while also demanding that the Trump administration release all details about the suspect and his online contacts. Authorities said the alleged shooter had become increasingly political in recent years, with markings on recovered bullet casings referencing online memes.

As the investigation continues, Kirk’s death has placed renewed scrutiny on extremist movements like Fuentes’ America First network, highlighting ongoing divisions within the conservative movement and the risks posed by radicalization.