In the wake of a shocking act of political violence, Congress is turning its attention to some of the internet’s most influential platforms. On September 17, 2025, Representative James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, called on the CEOs of Discord, Steam, Twitch, and Reddit to testify before lawmakers. The hearing, scheduled for October 8, aims to address the radicalization of online forum users and the role these platforms may play in inciting politically motivated acts.
This congressional move comes just days after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator. Kirk was killed on September 10 while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape and reignited debates over the influence of online spaces on real-world violence.
"The politically motivated assassination of Charlie Kirk claimed the life of a husband, father, and American patriot," Rep. Comer said in a statement, as reported by the Daily Caller. "In the wake of this tragedy, and amid other acts of politically motivated violence, Congress has a duty to oversee the online platforms that radicals have used to advance political violence. To prevent future radicalization and violence, the CEOs of Discord, Steam, Twitch, and Reddit must appear before the Oversight Committee and explain what actions they will take to ensure their platforms are not exploited for nefarious purposes."
The hearing is set to focus on instances of open incitement to commit politically motivated acts, with lawmakers seeking answers on how these tech companies are policing their corners of the internet. Discord, a platform originally designed for gamers but now widely used for all sorts of communities, was quick to respond. "We have received the Committee’s invitation and welcome the opportunity to testify," a Discord spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation. "We continuously engage with policymakers on these critical issues and look forward to continuing this important dialogue next month." Steam and Reddit have not yet commented, while Twitch could not be reached for a statement.
The investigation into Kirk’s assassination has revealed disturbing details about the online activities of the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. According to the Washington Post and statements by law enforcement, Robinson was active in online spaces described as "dark places" of the internet, including Discord chatrooms and so-called "Reddit culture." Utah Governor Spencer Cox noted that Robinson’s friends had informed investigators about his involvement in these online communities, a claim supported by the discovery of bullet casings inscribed with obscure, internet-inspired messages.
One such message, "Hey fascist! CATCH!"—accompanied by a sequence of arrows—was found on a bullet casing. Investigators believe these inscriptions reference a meme from the popular video game Helldivers 2, where a combination of controller moves unleashes a powerful bomb. The phrase has become a meme on message boards, signaling the end of a conversation or, in this case, something far more sinister. Robinson reportedly told his transgender partner that he had been engraving bullets with left-wing messages, and texts to his partner revealed his motive: "had enough of his hatred," referring to Kirk. As prosecutors announced, Robinson wrote, "Some hate can't be negotiated out."
The FBI is now investigating not just Robinson, but over 20 users who participated in a Discord chat with him prior to the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel, speaking before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 16, stated that the agency is "investigating anyone and everyone" involved in that chatroom. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino added that there were "multiple warning signs"—friends and family had noticed that Robinson had become more political and detached, and some co-workers reported he would walk away when politics were discussed. Bongino told Fox News, "This ideology had infected him and it had taken over and he was just intent, it appears, from the day that we accumulated and the channel and that note… that his target was obviously going to be Charlie and that people knew in advance."
Robinson’s digital footprint paints a picture of obsession. According to Bongino, "The shooting was clearly an ideologically motivated attack." Messages said to be from Robinson on Discord reportedly show him admitting to the killing: "Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this." This confession, coupled with the evidence of his online radicalization, has intensified scrutiny of the platforms that may have hosted or even fostered such extremism.
The aftermath of Kirk’s assassination has spilled over into the broader internet. Reports have surfaced of some users celebrating the killing on social media, with several allegedly being fired from their jobs over their posts. These reactions have only heightened calls for accountability and reform among tech companies, whose platforms have become battlegrounds for political discourse—and, at times, political violence.
The upcoming hearing also puts a spotlight on Amazon.com Inc, the parent company of Twitch. While Amazon is best known for its e-commerce empire, it operates Twitch as a major player in the live-streaming world. According to GuruFocus, Amazon’s financial health remains robust, with $670.04 billion in revenue and an operating margin of 11.37%. Yet, the company faces challenges beyond its balance sheet, including regulatory scrutiny and concerns about the use of its platforms for radicalization. Recent insider selling and a high price-to-sales ratio have added to investor wariness, but the current focus is squarely on how Amazon and its peers will respond to congressional demands for greater oversight of online extremism.
Discord, too, faces tough questions. The platform has a documented history of hosting extremist rhetoric, and its transformation from a gamer chat app to a mainstream social space has brought new challenges. The company’s willingness to engage with Congress could signal a shift in how tech firms approach their responsibilities, but critics argue that more than dialogue is needed to prevent future tragedies.
As October 8 approaches, lawmakers from across the political spectrum are preparing to grill the CEOs of these tech giants. Some view the hearing as a necessary step to curb the spread of extremist ideas online, while others warn against overreach and the potential stifling of free speech. The debate is likely to be contentious, reflecting deep divides over the causes and cures for online radicalization.
The killing of Charlie Kirk has become a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle to balance open communication with public safety. With Congress demanding answers and the eyes of the nation watching, the upcoming hearing could mark a turning point in how America confronts the digital roots of political violence.
