Coffee and a Mike Matt Bracken #1215
Sep 17, 2025
Matt Bracken, a Navy SEAL veteran, novelist, and historian, dives deep into the complexities surrounding the shooting of Charlie Kirk. He analyzes the motives behind the attack, linking it to online radicalization influenced by gaming culture. Bracken discusses the forensics of the rifle used and the troubling implications of foreign gaming platforms like Valorant on youth behavior. He also shares insights on event security and offers his favorite Robert Redford film recommendations, blending cultural critique with engaging storytelling.
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Gaming Communities As Radicalizing Spaces
- Online gaming communities can radicalize and normalize violent fantasies among isolated youth.
- State or foreign actors can easily infiltrate those groups and nudge vulnerable members toward real-world violence.
The Valorant Gamer Motivation
- Matt Bracken described a Chinese-origin game that pays top players up to $250,000 and promotes assassin-style play.
- He said the Utah shooter aimed to become a professional gamer and was immersed in that squad-based assassin culture.
Nudges Turn Bravado Into Action
- Small nudges from infiltrators or peers can turn online bragging into real-world attempts.
- Vulnerable gamers may commit violence to prove credibility or impress partners.
