Crime
Who are Armed Queers Salt Lake City? Utah-Based Trans Militia Group Under Scrutiny After Deleting Social Media Account on Day of Charlie Kirk Killing
Authorities probing the September 10 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk are reviewing online activity and several left-leaning groups in Utah after at least one organization removed its social-media presence in the immediate aftermath of the killing, sources say.
Among the organizations under review is Armed Queers Salt Lake City (Armed Queers SLC), a Utah-based group that has described itself publicly as training and organizing LGBTQ+ people to defend their communities.
According to archived materials and reporting, the group promoted events in 2023 that featured imagery and rhetoric aligned with radical protest and self-defense themes; a flyer for a September 2023 lecture at the University of Utah included graphic elements such as a rainbow flag, a hammer-and-sickle motif and imagery of ammunition.
In a past interview, a group representative said the organizationโs activism was grounded in opposition to racism, transphobia and capitalism and accepted personal risk in service of that mission.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation told investigators that Armed Queers SLC took down at least one social media account on the day of Kirkโs death.
Law-enforcement officials are reviewing whether any individuals or networks connected to the group โ or to other online communities, including gaming platforms and social pages โ had prior knowledge of or provided material support for the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson.
Federal and state authorities are assisting local investigators in those inquiries.
Investigators have also collected and catalogued a number of social-media posts and accounts that appear to reference Kirk in the days immediately preceding the shooting.
Several of those posts have since been deleted or made private, and investigators are attempting to verify the provenance and authenticity of archived screenshots and reposts being circulated online.
Law-enforcement sources caution that while some social-media material appears ominous, much of it remains unverified and may reflect hyperbolic or copy-and-paste commentary rather than credible threats or direct knowledge of criminal intent.
The probe is also examining potential personal motives.
Officials have said they are exploring whether Robinsonโs relationship with a transgender roommate may have intersected with political or ideological grievances; the roommate โ who has cooperated with investigators โ told authorities they were โaghastโ at the killing, according to one source. State officials have confirmed that investigators continue to review electronic messages and other evidence relevant to motive.
Authorities emphasize that review of online posts and group affiliations is part of a broad investigative effort to determine whether Robinson acted alone or with assistance. At this stage, investigators have not attributed criminal coordination or direct responsibility to any organization, and officials say they will rely on forensic analysis and substantiated evidence before drawing conclusions.
Because much of the material circulating online is unverified, officials and advocacy groups have warned against leaping to conclusions based on deleted accounts, archived screenshots or unattributed posts.
Civil-liberties advocates have also urged investigators and the public to avoid conflating protected political expression or lawful self-defense training with criminal activity without clear evidence.
The investigation remains active. Authorities have not announced criminal charges linking any organizations to the slaying, and they continue to ask anyone with credible information to come forward to assist with the inquiry.
Crime
40-Year-Old Shane Seiber, Philadelphia Police Officer and Combat Veteran, Dies After West Philly Ambush
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania โ Philadelphia Police Officer Shane Seiber, 40, has died after being shot during an early morning shooting in West Philadelphia, leaving behind his wife and two young children. Seiber was a 10-year veteran of the police department and a combat veteran who was remembered as a dedicated officer with a heart of gold.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said Seiberโs wife and other family members were able to be with him at the hospital before he died. The department is mourning the loss as fellow officers gather to honor his service.
A second Philadelphia police officer who was wounded in the same incident is reportedly in stable condition, according to the latest information provided.
The shooting happened at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday, October 10, along the 100 block of North 52nd Street in West Philadelphia.
Both officers were assigned to the Philadelphia Police Departmentโs 19th District and were responding to reports of an armed man on a residential porch when they came under heavy gunfire, according to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.
Seiber suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for emergency treatment. He later died at the hospital.
The 40-year-old officer had spent a decade serving the Philadelphia Police Department. He was also a combat veteran and a member of Philadelphia Police Academy Class 380.
Those remembering Seiber have described him as a man with a heart of gold who loved his job. His death has left his family and fellow officers grieving the loss of a husband, father and public servant.
Beyond his career in law enforcement, Seiber was a husband and father of two young children.
Commissioner Bethel confirmed that Seiberโs wife and other relatives were able to be at his side before he died. His family is now facing the painful reality of losing a loved one who devoted his life to serving others.
The loss has also deeply affected the Philadelphia Police Department, where colleagues are mourning an officer who served for 10 years.
As the department prepares to honor Seiber, thoughts and condolences are being shared for his wife, children, extended family and fellow officers.
A second officer was wounded during the same shooting and was also transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
Earlier reports described the surviving officer as being in critical condition. The latest information provided, however, says the officer is now in stable condition.
The officerโs identity has not been included in the information available for this report. Further updates may clarify the extent of the injuries and the officerโs recovery.
According to reports previously attributed to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the suspect allegedly ambushed the officers with a shotgun and later fired at additional officers responding to the scene.
The suspect reportedly fled before a SWAT team located the individual hiding in a tree and took the person into custody.
Investigators reportedly recovered three firearms, including a shotgun and a handgun believed to have been taken from one of the wounded officers.
An anonymous law enforcement source cited by The Philadelphia Inquirer named the alleged shooter as Eric Lewis, who was reportedly employed by the Philadelphia Water Department. Police had not officially confirmed that identity or announced charges in the information provided.
The investigation remains focused on the events leading up to the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the officersโ injuries.
Officer Shane Seiberโs death represents a profound loss for his family and the Philadelphia Police Department. A combat veteran and 10-year police veteran, he leaves behind a wife, two young children and colleagues who are mourning his death.
As fellow officers gather to honor his service, the department is also supporting the surviving officer and family members affected by the incident.
Our hearts are with Seiberโs family, especially his wife and children, as they navigate this unimaginable grief. We also hope the surviving officer continues to recover and receives the support needed in the days ahead.
Rest in peace, Officer Shane Seiber. Your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
The investigation into the West Philadelphia shooting is ongoing. Additional information may be released as authorities confirm further details.