Utah Governor Accuses Foreign Bots of Fueling Unrest
(MENAFN) Utah Governor Spencer Cox claimed on Thursday that automated accounts linked to Russia and China are attempting to stir up discord following the deadly shooting of American right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk.
"What we're seeing is our adversaries want violence," Cox stated during a press briefing alongside top law enforcement authorities.
"We have bots from Russia, China, all over the world, that are trying to instill disinformation and encourage violence. I would encourage you to ignore those, to turn off those streams, and to spend a little more time with our families."
According to Cox, the FBI has collected upwards of 7,000 public tips and leads while 20 national and regional law enforcement bodies collaborate in an active search operation, now entering its third day.
Kirk, aged 31, was shot and killed on Wednesday as he delivered a speech to students at Utah Valley University, located in Orem—around 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.
The suspected premeditated assault took place despite the presence of security, including six campus police officers and Kirk's own private detail.
Footage shared online shows the instant Kirk was struck by a bullet, prompting chaos as students scrambled for safety.
He was transported to a medical facility, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Governor Cox also revealed images released by the FBI, showing a suspect law enforcement officials are interested in questioning.
The unclear photographs show what seems to be a male of college age wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, jeans, a backpack, a baseball cap, and dark sunglasses.
"What we're seeing is our adversaries want violence," Cox stated during a press briefing alongside top law enforcement authorities.
"We have bots from Russia, China, all over the world, that are trying to instill disinformation and encourage violence. I would encourage you to ignore those, to turn off those streams, and to spend a little more time with our families."
According to Cox, the FBI has collected upwards of 7,000 public tips and leads while 20 national and regional law enforcement bodies collaborate in an active search operation, now entering its third day.
Kirk, aged 31, was shot and killed on Wednesday as he delivered a speech to students at Utah Valley University, located in Orem—around 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.
The suspected premeditated assault took place despite the presence of security, including six campus police officers and Kirk's own private detail.
Footage shared online shows the instant Kirk was struck by a bullet, prompting chaos as students scrambled for safety.
He was transported to a medical facility, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Governor Cox also revealed images released by the FBI, showing a suspect law enforcement officials are interested in questioning.
The unclear photographs show what seems to be a male of college age wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, jeans, a backpack, a baseball cap, and dark sunglasses.
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