Former NFL star Shawne Merriman is no stranger to bringing innovation to Lights Out Xtreme Fighting in hopes of standing out from other organizations in the U.S.On Saturday, Merriman will introduce a "game-changer" to the world of mixed martial arts and combat sports.He told Fox News Digital that fans who watch Lights Out Xtreme Fighting 27 on Lights Out Sports TV will see a different way advertisements are displayed.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"Were doing our first commercial use of AI virtual sponsorship," Merriman said. "People watching at home on Lights Out Sports TV will see ads change every fight. This is something that weve been working on for a long time. Weve been working behind the scenes for six months, and now were bringing it to commercial use."Now, companies can sponsor fights on a per-minute basis. Theyre buying time for less cost. And everybody will be able to get to see it for the first time. Im really, really excited about that because this is gonna be a game-changer in combat sports, and everybody gets a chance to see it for the first time live."Merriman said Lights Out Xtreme Fighting partnered with PTF Lab to help incorporate the new idea in ads into the fights.IVANKA TRUMP RE-ENTERS DC RING FOR UPCOMING KNOCKOUT UFC WHITE HOUSE FIGHT"Theres a lot of regional promotions that are struggling right now, and were one of the ones that are extremely successful because we figured out ways to bring incremental revenue without having to raise a bunch of capital," Merriman explained. "So, were very lean as a company."I got a great staff, and then Ive always thought outside of the box when it comes to growth, and this is it."Lights Out Xtreme Fighting 27 will take place at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. The fight begins at 5 p.m. local time.Tyrell Fortune will take on Demoreo Dennis in the main event with four other big bouts on the card.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

EXCLUSIVE A former Illinois TV anchor said she gladly quit her job rather than have to be silent about the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.Former WICS-ABC20 Springfield anchor Beni Rae Harmony spoke to Fox News Digital about resigning after she was suspended for airing a tribute to Kirk last Friday and refusing to remove it from her social media accounts.Harmony previously worked at Turning Point USA, the conservative advocacy group Kirk founded at age 18, from 2021 to 2022."I said, Well, I'm not gonna stick around for that. I said, I resign, and I refuse to be silenced. I refuse to be told I cannot talk about someone that I cared about," Harmony said, describing what she told her bosses after they informed her she was suspended and faced a possible firing for the tribute.WASHINGTON POST COLUMNIST FIRED OVER SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS AFTER CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATIONHarmony explained to Fox that in the days after Kirk was murdered, she felt compelled to speak in his memory. Harmony hosted the outlet's "Marketplace" show about the central Illinois community before her exit."I was finishing up my rundown, finishing up my scripts, and I just felt this sense of, I have to say something. I have to do something. And I went to my last block, and I typed a few words, not even a lot. I left it there," she said.The former anchor thought her newscast directors would simply remove or edit the remarks, or "censor me without me even having to say anything," but they didn't.During the segment, Harmony gave an emotional tribute to her slain former mentor."I want you to know that its okay if you feel sadness, its okay if you feel if youre grieving. Two days ago, I lost a mentor, my first boss, the first person who made me believe in myself, that encouraged me to chase this dream that youre watching right now: Charlie Kirk," she said.Tearfully, she continued: "I want to share with you one of my favorite sayings that Charlie would always tell us at the office. He would yell it from the mountaintops, so please listen. When conversations stop happening, when individuals become wordless, thats when violence begins."PROFESSOR SLAMMED FOR 'DESPICABLE BEHAVIOR' WITH CONTROVERSIAL REPOSTS ON CHARLIE KIRKHarmony said that after she had posted the segment to her personal social media accounts Friday, her supervisor said she needed to take them down. Harmony refused and was warned she faced consequences, she said.When she returned to the newsroom on Monday, she was told she would be off the air that day and could be terminated."I said, You're telling me I'll be fired for paying a tribute to someone that I knew and someone I'm grieving?" she said. "Well, I'm not gonna stick around for that."Harmony quit, and her resignation announcement quickly went viral.WICS-ABC20 Springfield told Fox News Digital, "News Channel 20 has not fired or suspended anyone in the last 90 days." When asked if they threatened a suspension, the outlet refused to comment. The outlet, which is owned by Rincon Broadcasting Group, confirmed Harmony resigned.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREHarmony told Fox that she met Kirk in 2020 when she was a student at Arizona State University. He inspired her to start her own Turning Point USA chapter in Springfield and pursue her media and political dreams."And thats how I got involved at Turning Point and, at 18 years old, I remember being at that protest and being mesmerized," she said. "I had the opportunity to meet him that night and the knowledge that was radiating from his brain and just the energy that you felt around him, it inspired me."She spoke about her time working for Turning Point and producing for conservative commentator Jack Posobiecs "Human Events" show, where she got to continue to see Kirk, who was a frequent guest on the show."I'm just blessed to have gotten to know him and to have him roast me at the studio with Jack," she said. "That man taught me things that I'll never forget."Harmony also reflected on the massive impact Kirks death has had on the nation."There are people that are Democrat, liberal, libertarian you have every single side of the political aisle. But if they are spiritual in any way, if they believe in God, if they're Christian, they feel an emptiness in their chest. And nobody understands why. But it's because he was our brother in Christ. And that is why we feel the way we do about this," she said.

This is cobbled together from speaking to multiple sources on both sides of the Capitol.The House is now aiming to vote Thursday on the "clean" interimspending bill which would fund the government through November 27.But Republicans must first get the bill through the House. Several seniorHouse Republican sources said that they were still talking to the "usual suspects." Republicans can only lose two votes to pass a bill on their own. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) expressed confidence he could hold all of his Democrats together and oppose the bill.Jeffries said that will be the focus of a Democratic Caucus on Thursday.TRUMP PRESSURES REPUBLICANS TO PASS A CONTINUING RESOLUTION TO AVERT A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNIt is also still not a done deal that the House would move on Thursday. This could slip to Friday.There is now the distinct possibility of a weekend session in the Senate, potentially Saturday.Heres why:If the House approves the government funding package, this must go through two rounds of "cloture" to break a filibuster. That needs 60 yeas. It is advantageous to Senate Republicans to have the House approve the bill Thursday.If so, Senate Majority LeaderJohn Thune (R-S.D.) can file cloture to set up a test vote on Saturday. By rule, the Senate cannot take that test vote without an "intervening day."SCOOP: GOP RAMPS UP SHUTDOWN FIGHT, TARGETS 25 VULNERABLE DEMOCRATS IN NEW AD BLITZTo wit:Lets say the House theoretically approves the bill on Thursday. Thune gets the bill on Thursday and files cloture to cut off debate and break a filibuster. Friday is the "intervening day." That tees up a procedural vote just to get onto the bill (needing 60 yeas) on Saturday in the Senate.But if the House votes (and passes) the CR on Friday, none of this can happen until Sunday.Theres the rub:Multiple Senate Republicans want to attend Charlie Kirks funeral in Arizona on Sunday.So, a Saturday scenario is much better for the GOP.Why not wait until Monday, you may ask?GOP LAWMAKERS CLASH OVER STRATEGY TO AVERT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN CRISISWell, theSenate is scheduled to be out for Rosh Hashanah next week. Same with the House. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown Monday and runs through nightfall Wednesday. So, the Senate could punt and deal with it next Thursday. However, the Senate also needs to take another procedural vote down the road if it could ever get 60 yeas (more on that in a moment) to finish the bill. So, it may be helpful to do this sooner rather than later.That said, one senior Senate GOP source suggested to Fox that the Senate could remain in session through Rosh Hashanah to deal with the procedural steps. That could be interpreted as a direct sleight to Senate Minority LeaderChuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the highest-ranking Jewish figure in American political history.Keep in mind, the government is funded through 11:59:59 p.m. ET Sept. 30. So, they have time. But the period is collapsed because of the scheduled recess next week.Regardless, the Senate needs 60 yeas to break a filibuster. Republicans only have 53 votes in the Senate, 52 if Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) opposes an interim spending bill.This is why Republicans are trying to blame a potential shutdown on theDemocrats. And Democrats are saying they need something (likely a renewal of Obamacare subsidies) in exchange for their votes.And there will likely be a lot more drama between now and the end of the month.

Michael Vick took the college football world by storm during his standout run at Virginia Tech. He went on to play in the NFL for 13 seasons and, after a career in broadcasting, the Hokies great pivoted to coaching.Vick is just three games into his inaugural season at Norfolk State, but speculation has already begun to swirl that he could have his eyes on his alma mater.Last week, Virginia Tech parted ways with head coach Brent Pry after a 0-3 start to the season.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMBut Vick is making it clear that he is focused on the task at hand not future potential coaching opportunities.FORMER NFL STAR MICHAEL VICK GETS FIRST HEAD COACHING WIN WITH NORFOLK STATE"This teams got to follow my lead," Vick told HBCU Gameday. "My primary focus right now is Norfolk State. Thats all we can focus on. I hope theyre not reading the newspaper clippings or looking into whats happening on the social pages, because I dont do it. Weve got Sacred Heart this week. Thats the most important thing in our lives right now."Vick's interest in coaching dates back several years.Prior to taking the head coaching job in his native state of Virginia, Vick worked as a coaching intern under Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid. In 2019, he served as the Atlanta Legends offensive coordinator in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football league.In 2017, Vick expressed hopes for one day learning from Reid. "But if I could coach with anybody, I would love to start out with Andy if there was an opportunity. Obviously, I would love it with the (Atlanta) Falcons as well. So we'll see how it goes," Vick said in May 2017 during an appearance on "The Howard Eskin Podcast."Vick finished his collegiate career with 3,074 passing yards and 20 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Vick, who developed a reputation for his running prowess, also recorded 16 rushing touchdowns during his time in a Hokies uniform.During a Christmas Day game against the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson ran for 87 yards to surpass Vick on the NFL's all-time quarterback rushing yards list.The Falcons selected Vick with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft.Norfolk State will enter its game against Sacred Heart on Sept. 20 with a 1-2 record.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica inSan Luis Obispo, California, terminated one of its employees over a comment made about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.Derek Hess, a restaurant manager, confirmed the firing to Fox News Digital."I totally support freedom of speech," Hess said. He added the fired employee's comment "demonized the murder of Charlie Kirk and made it seem that it was a good thing that happened.RESTAURANT IN MAJOR CITY FACES FALLOUT OVER 'OFFENSIVE' CHARLIE KIRK POST BY CO-OWNER"It also demonized half of the political spectrum. Employees felt uncomfortable coming to work knowing that someone in an authoritative position was going to be here [who] said those things on the internet."The manager didn't reveal the former employee's name, role or what was said in the post.The Italian restaurant initially posted a statement on its social media accounts.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"We are aware of inappropriate social media posts made by a former employee regarding the tragic death of Charlie Kirk," the statement read. "These posts were made by the individual acting in their personal capacity and in no way reflect the values, opinions or position of Giuseppe's restaurants."We want to make it absolutely clear that we do not condone or support any communications that are disrespectful, inflammatory or that glorify violence. Such behavior runs counter to our core values of respect, integrity and professionalism," the statement continued."As soon as we became aware of these posts, we took immediate and appropriate action, resulting in the termination of the employee's employment with our company."For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleThe restaurant went on to say that it is "committed to maintaining a workplace culture that upholds the highest standards of professional conduct, both within our organization and in how we represent ourselves to the broader community."Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica remains dedicated to serving our customers and community with dignity and respect," the statement concluded. "We thank you for your understanding as we addressed this matter promptly and decisively."Giuseppe's has a second location in Pismo Beach, California.The restaurant serves house-made pasta, sauces and desserts.

ABCs Jimmy Kimmel insinuated Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirks alleged assassin was a member of the "MAGA gang" while mocking President Donald Trumps response to his death during his show Monday night.The "Jimmy Kimmel Live" host brought up the matter during his monologue and claimed right-wing critics were hitting "new lows" trying to frame the suspect, 22-year-old Utah native Tyler Robinson, as someone who wasnt "MAGA.""We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel said.CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN'S MOTIVES REMAIN 'ELUSIVE,' CBS NEWS ANCHOR CLAIMSHe went on to mock Trumps responses, criticizing the White House for flying U.S. flags at half-staff and Trump for discussing ballroom construction when asked his thoughts days later."This is not how an adult grieves the murder of somebody he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK?" Kimmel said.Kimmels comments came one day after both FBI officials and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said that Robinson held a "leftist ideology" and was increasingly radicalized in recent years."Its fairly obvious this was an ideologically motivated attack," FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino told Fox News on Monday.CRIMINOLOGIST TELLS MSNBC SHE CAN'T FIND MOTIVE FOR CHARLIE KIRK'S KILLING IN BULLET CASING MESSAGESA source familiar with the investigation also told Fox News Digital that the FBI is investigating leftist groups in Utah to see if they had any connection to the alleged shooter.On Tuesday, authorities released new details about Robinson during a press conference. Law enforcement revealed text messages between Robinson and his roommate and romantic partner, who is a transgender woman."I had enough of his [Kirk] hatred. Some hate cant be negotiated out. If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence. Going to attempt to retrieve it again, hopefully they have moved on," Robinson messaged his roommate.Fox News Digital reached out to ABC for comment.After Kirk was shot and killed during a campus event at Utah Valley University last week, Kimmel released a statement mourning the conservative activist."Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?" Kimmel wrote on Instagram. "On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence."RETIRED FBI AGENT WARNS OF 'ASSASSINATION CULTURE' AFTER LEARNING KIRK SUSPECT LIVED WITH TRANS PARTNERKimmel previously blasted Trumps response to Kirk's death after he blamed leftist rhetoric for the shooting Thursday night."With all these terrible things happening, you would think that our president would at least make an attempt to bring us together, but he didnt. President Obama did. President Biden did. Presidents Bush and Clinton did. President Trump did not. Instead, he blamed Democrats for their rhetoric," Kimmel said.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHe added, "The man who told a crowd of supporters that maybe the Second Amendment people should do something about Clinton. The man who said he wouldn't mind if someone shot through the fake news media. The man who unleashed a mob on the Capitol and said Liz Cheney should face nine barrels shooting at her for supporting his opponent, blames the radical left for their rhetoric."

DC Comics has canceled its Batman spin-off "Red Hood" after the series writer mocked the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking outrage online. Despite the fallout, the writer has since doubled down on her remarks.The series was canceled by DC Comics after screenshots circulated online of inflammatory social media posts from transgender author Gretchen Felker-Martin making a joke out of the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying she hoped the bullet was OK after hitting Kirk, and calling him a "Nazi b----."A spokesperson for DC Comics confirmed that the entire "Red Hood" series had been canceled, including both existing and future orders. Sellers were reportedly invited to return any issues they already received, as the first book in the series had already been shipped by the time the series was canceled."Two days ago, I made a glib joke about Kirks death. It was irresistible to me," Felker-Martin wrote on her Patreon blog in response to the fallout. "I stand by the sentiment of what I said. Kirk was evil. He can no longer hurt us, even if his cruelty will linger like a bad smell for decades to come."CHARLIE KIRK'S ALLEGED ASSASSIN TAKEN OVER BY LEFTIST IDEOLOGY WHILE FBI PROBES WIDER PLOT: BONGINOFelker-Martin added in an interview with The Comics Journal that she had "no regrets" for what she said about Kirk. "I've listened to Charlie Kirk being an overt Nazi for years of my life, and I had no regrets for what I said about him."CHARLIE KIRK'S SUSPECTED ASSASSIN CONFESSED IN DISCORD CHAT, REPORT SAYSFelker-Martin, who has been known for making a stir with her posts on social media, told The Comics Journal that her superiors at DC Comics had also expressed concern about her outspokenness online prior to the Kirk incident. The concern followed media reports exposing Felker-Martin's alleged celebration of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas massacre of over 1,000 innocent Israelis."At DC Comics, we place the highest value on our creators and community and affirm the right to peaceful, individual expression of personal viewpoints," a spokesperson for DC Comics told Fox News Digital. "Posts or public comments that can be viewed as promoting hostility or violence are inconsistent with DCs standards of conduct."Felker-Martin did concede in her interview with The Comics Journal that she exhibited "a moment of poor impulse control" when posting the comments about Kirk."I can only put it down to really just a moment of poor impulse control," she said. "Had I thought for another second, of course I would've known [that it would be a problem for DC], and naturally, as soon as I had said it, I did know."However, in first-hand remarks on her Patreon, Felker-Martin exhibited virtually no regret for her comments."To say that Kirk was hoisted by his own petard in the most literal sense of the idiom (a petard is an early form of bomb or mine, typically stone or fired clay filled with black powder, a medieval predecessor to the bullet) is to reduce the scope of his evil for the sake of a glib summary," the author wrote in her response on Patreon. "The violent hypocrisy of men like Kirk make that glibness almost irresistible, but behind it is a much larger and more pressing truth, a vital illustration of how violence is brought into the world, what we expect that violence to do, and who is permitted to create and wield it."In addition to Felker-Martin's work on "Red Hood," she has also written for Time Magazine and published multiple science-fiction and horror genre books that have garnered best-seller accolades. In one of her books, titled "Manhunt," Felker-Martin writes about the fictionalized murder of anti-transgender activist and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who is killed when her castle catches fire and collapses on her.Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for Felker-Martin to request comment for this story, but did not receive a response.

A drunk driver who fatally mowed down a 16-year-old girl in Queens on Saturday is a previously deported Honduran illegal immigrant who had several prior DUI arrests, a senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) source told FOX.Edwin Cruz Gomez, 38, was arrested by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Saturday and was charged with murder, three counts of attempted murder and two counts of assault and other crimes after allegedly running down Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez and her mother after they rejected his sexual advances, according to the source.An immigration detainer was lodged on Monday.The teen was pronounced dead at the scene, and her mother is in stable condition.MULTIPLE FATAL CRASHES LINKED TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SPARK ARRESTS ACROSS US IN RECENT DAYSNYPD officers responded to the call just before 4:15 a.m. Saturday after the driver of a gray 2009 Chevy Suburban hit the pair and drove away, according to a report from affiliate FOX 5 New York.Gomez allegedly later hit a parked car at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Benham Street, according to the report.ILLEGAL MIGRANT WITH DUI RAP SHEET FACING VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CHARGES AFTER HEAD-ON CRASH KILLS MOM, DAUGHTERGomez, who officials said was deported in 2005, was arrested for driving under the influence in April 2013 and detained by ICE Long Island.Authorities served him with a reinstatement of deport order, but he was released three months later under the Alternatives to Detention program and disappeared.Sources said Gomez was ignored by ICE during an October 2024 arrest for possession of a forged instrument because he didn't meet Biden administration immigration enforcement priorities.KENTUCKY TEEN DIES PROTECTING MOTHER FROM ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT'S VIOLENT ALLEGED ASSAULT IN FAMILY APARTMENTA month later, on Nov. 13, 2024, he was convicted in Nassau County of driving without a license and sentenced to five days behind bars. He was then released.Gomez was arrested again on Jan. 26 for driving under the influence and was released from custody before a detainer could be lodged.

A candlelight vigil at Desert Financial Arena on Arizona State Universitys campus Monday highlighted Charlie Kirks legacy. The campus is just miles from Turning Point USAs headquarters.Volunteers sported "I am Charlie" T-shirts, and many attendees wore red, including MAGA hats, to show their support for the slain conservative leader.The speakers used the moment to channel the tragedy into activism and share the Christian faith, including many of his close friends and colleagues.CHARLIE KIRK VIGILS HELD AT UNIVERSITIES ACROSS AMERICA FOLLOWING ASSASSINATION OF CONSERVATIVE ACTIVIST"2026 is going to be the Charlie Kirk election. 2028 will be the Kirk-Vance election," Tyler Bowyer, who runs Turning Point Action, said as volunteers were registering voters at the events. Bowyer encouraged people to use the tragedy as an opportunity to get active in the conservative movement, specifically calling on people to register to vote.Peter Gentala, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, said its "personal" when a "great man dies," speaking highly of the influence Kirk had in the Grand Canyon State and the nation.At times, the attendees chanted "Charlie" and "U-S-A" during the vigil organized by Arizona State Universitys College Republicans chapter and TPUSA.FROM GRIEF TO GROWTH: TURNING POINT USA BECOMES A RALLYING FORCE FOR GEN Z IN BATTLEGROUND ARIZONA"Act. Start a Turning Point chapter, get involved in a Turning Point chapter, register to vote, register other people to vote and share your faith with others," Troy Holderby, president of ASU College Republicans, told Fox News Digital."This is gonna be a game changer for our entire country. Were gonna see substantial amounts of people coming to vote for our country because Charlie Kirk cared about that."Luke Mosiman, chairman of the Arizona Young Republicans, told Fox News Digital this tragedy could be a defining moment for Generation Z because Kirk held a strong influence among young Americans.'SLEEPING GIANT' LIKELY WOKE UP FOR TURNING POINT USA AFTER CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION"So many people are looking at this right now, and theyre realizing that American culture and the left as a whole has rotted Americas ability to have a dialogue, and I think Gen Z will hold strong to the ideas of the First Amendment," he added.After Kirks assassination Wednesday, his casket was flown on Air Force Two to Phoenix, where a large celebration of life service is slated for Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Bowyer posted to X Tuesday that voter registration efforts will be underway at Sunday's event."County Recorder [Justin Heap] is providing as many Voter Registration forms as humanly printable and possible for Charlies celebration of life this Sunday. We anticipate tens of thousands of new voters will register this week in AZ and across the country in CKs honor," Bowyer wrote.Large memorial displays have been set up outside the Hansen Mortuary Chapel, where his casket is being held, as well as outside TPUSAs headquarters in south Phoenix. A 19-year-old man is facing vandalism charges for allegedly trying to destroy the memorial on Sunday, which was seen by Fox News cameras.

ST. GEORGE, Utah After Charlie Kirks accused killer allegedly confessed in a Discord chat, legal experts say others in the group are unlikely to face charges unless investigators find proof of active involvement.Suspect Tyler Robinson posted in a Discord group hours before his arrest, writing, "Hey guys, I have bad news for you allIt was me at UVU yesterdayIm sorry for all of this."The FBI is reviewing the Discord chat where Robinson is believed to have posted.On Monday, FBI Director Kash Patel said some people assume agents can access group chats instantly to see who was involved. In reality, he said, scores of users were in the room.FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL REVEALS DETAILS ABOUT ALLEGED KIRK ASSASSIN'S TEXTS"We have to go out there with search warrants so that if prosecutors want to later use this evidence, its not tainted by being illegally obtained," Patel said. "We, the FBI, are running the investigationon the Discord chat group. There are scores of individuals that are going to be spoken to."Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., pressed Patel Tuesday on how the FBI was working to identify possible accomplices or people who may have encouraged Robinson."So, in terms of what we do for an interrogation perspective, we go and reach out to the family and community immediately. And we've conducted those investigations and interrogations with local law enforcement, and we're continuing to do that because those closest to the suspect are going to hopefully know the most about the suspect and his beliefs and his ideology," Patel said. "On top of that, unfortunately, it has been leaked, that there was a Discord chat. And for those unfamiliar with it, it's a gaming chat room online that the suspect participated in."WHAT IS DISCORD? MESSAGING PLATFORM POPULAR WITH GAMERS PART OF CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION INVESTIGATION"So, what we're doing and we've already done is serve legal process, not just on Discord, so that the information we gathered is sustained and held in an evidentiary posture that we could use in prosecution should it be decided to do so. And we're also going to be investigating anyone and everyone involved in that Discord chat," Patel continued.Hawley then asked about public reports suggesting the Discord thread had as many as 20 additional users."Its a lot more than that, and were running them all down," Patel said.CHARLIE KIRK'S ALLEGED SHOOTER NOT COOPERATING WITH AUTHORITIES, UTAH GOV. COX SAYSLegal scholars say that simply seeing or ignoring a confession online is not, by itself, a crime."Its not a crime to see people confessing to a crime. Its not [a] crime to do nothing about that. You can see or hear someone say, yes, I murdered someone, and just ignore it. Its just not illegal as a general matter to do that," said Eugene Volokh, Professor Emeritus at UCLA Law School and a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford.Former federal prosecutor Andy McCarthy told "Fox and Friends" that chat users can only be prosecuted if they participated in or agreed to a scheme."Looking at these particular chats, it looks to me likethis is kind of after-the-fact where the guy admits to the crime and says in fact that hes made arrangements to surrender," he said.TRUMP PRAISES FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL FOR SPEEDY CAPTURE OF CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN"So, it would be surprising to me if you looked at those people who were in the chats, as potential criminal defendants. I would be looking at them as witnesses that might help me, in terms of proving what this guys state of mind was in the days leading up to the murder," McCarthy added.He noted that in some cases, people who receive clear threats may be legally obligated to alert police. But he said that threshold hasnt been met in this case.Volokh added that the law requires something more than silence or passive presence in a chatroom."Theres got to be something beyond simply hearing the confession and simply doing nothing," he said. "Simply praising the persons crime, either in general or to the person, is not itself punishable, because its not soliciting any new crime. But if you say, Heres a list of other people you should kill, in principle, that might be solicitation of future crimes.While Discord is a relatively new platform, Volokh noted that the law applies the same way it would to older forms of communication."The technology of communication to people is at least tens of thousands of years old, and the legal principles in American law are pretty much the same in this kind of situation, regardless of the technology," he said.Fox News has reached out to Discord regarding a Washington Post report that Robinson confessed to the Kirk shooting on Discord shortly before turning himself in, and the company said the reporting was accurate.Discord confirmed Robinsons account was on its platform but said he did not plan the attack there."During our investigation, Discord identified an account belonging to the suspect. We have not found or received any evidence that the suspect planned this incident on Discord or promoted violence on Discord," a Discord spokesperson said. "The messages referenced in reporting about weapon retrieval and planning details were not Discord messages, and likely took place on a phone-number based messaging platform. We continue to work closely with the FBI and local authorities, and will continue to deliver prompt responses to their requests for assistance."