What Is a Groyper? Nick Fuentes’ Alt-Right Movement Explained

The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has reignited debate over America’s far-right factions. Kirk, who was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University, had long faced criticism from extremist groups.

Among those critics were Nick Fuentes and his followers, often called the “Groyper Army.” For years, Fuentes’ supporters attacked Kirk as being too moderate on issues like immigration and LGBTQ rights.

Now, with Kirk’s death under investigation, attention has turned once again to the Groypers and their place in today’s political landscape.

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What Is the Groyper Army?

The Groyper Army is a far-right online movement built around white nationalist activist Nick Fuentes. The group embraces “America First” ideology and promotes nationalist, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, Groypers position themselves as defenders of Christian and traditional family values. However, critics argue their messaging masks racist and extremist beliefs.

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Their symbol is “Groyper,” a cartoon frog meme similar to Pepe the Frog. Online, this image has become a recognizable mascot for the movement.

How Did the Term ‘Groyper’ Begin?

The term first gained traction in 2019 during a series of confrontations known as the “Groyper Wars.” That year, Fuentes’ supporters disrupted college events hosted by Charlie Kirk’s group, Turning Point USA.

They challenged Kirk on issues like immigration, accusing him of softening Donald Trump’s hardline agenda. Videos of these disruptions spread widely across social media.

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This internal fight among conservatives marked a turning point, as Fuentes’ brand of politics pushed white nationalist ideas closer to mainstream conservative spaces.

The Feud With Charlie Kirk

Kirk responded to these challenges by labeling Groypers as extremists. He defended his vision of conservatism as more open, stressing that racism and homophobia had no place in the movement.

The feud highlighted a divide on the right. While Kirk built Turning Point USA into a nationwide youth organization, Fuentes’ Groypers painted him as a “gatekeeper” blocking more radical ideas.

By 2020, the clashes had cooled, but the animosity never disappeared. With Kirk’s killing, that tension has suddenly resurfaced.

Nick Fuentes’ Response to Kirk’s Killing

In the wake of the assassination, Fuentes issued multiple public statements. On September 11, he wrote that he was devastated and called the tragedy “a nightmare we’ll never wake up from.”

He urged followers to reject violence, saying that “our country needs Christ now more than ever.” That message struck some as an attempt to distance himself from speculation about extremist ties.

Two days later, Fuentes criticized the Trump administration. In a post on X, he demanded the release of all information about the suspect, including online contacts, and called for stronger leadership to prevent future attacks.

Questions About Motive

Authorities have not confirmed the shooter’s political ideology. Early reports suggested possible left-wing ties, but investigators later revealed the suspect had engraved anti-fascist slogans on bullet casings.

At the same time, some online commentators questioned whether the gunman’s actions were influenced by far-right meme culture. References to online taunts were reportedly found among the evidence.

For now, the official motive remains unclear. But Kirk’s death has placed new focus on the dangerous overlap between internet rhetoric and real-world violence.

Why the Groypers Matter Today

The Groypers represent a younger, internet-driven wing of far-right politics. Their use of memes and online campaigns has allowed them to reach audiences that traditional political groups often struggle to connect with.

Critics warn that by framing their ideas as “patriotic” or “traditional,” Groypers disguise extremist ideology in language that resonates with disillusioned youth.

That influence, combined with their past confrontations with Kirk, is why the group is now under renewed scrutiny after his death.

FAQs

What is a Groyper?
A Groyper is a supporter of Nick Fuentes’ far-right “America First” movement, often using a frog meme as their symbol.

When did the Groyper movement begin?
The movement gained attention in 2019 during the “Groyper Wars,” when Fuentes’ followers disrupted Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA events.

What do Groypers believe?
They push nationalist, antisemitic, racist, and anti-LGBTQ ideas while claiming to defend Christian values and traditional family structures.

How did Fuentes respond to Kirk’s killing?
Fuentes said he was devastated and called for unity, later demanding more transparency from the Trump administration about the suspect.

Are Groypers tied to Kirk’s killing?
As of now, investigators have not linked the Groypers directly to the shooting. The official motive behind the attack remains unclear.