Charlie Kirk’s assassination celebrated by Oxford Union president
The incoming president of the Oxford Union, a student debate society in England, is facing backlash after posting comments in celebration of conservative activist and Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination on Wednesday.
The Telegraph reported that Oxford Union President-elect George Abaraonye posted a celebratory message in a WhatsApp chat, saying, “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f-cking go.” In another message, Abaraonye wrote, “Charlie Kirk got shot loool.”
According to The Times, Abaraonye’s messages were met with a mixed response from other students in the WhatsApp chat group. One student responded, saying, “How are you celebrating someone getting shot?” The outlet noted that at least one of the Oxford Union president-elect’s messages was deleted shortly after the other student’s response.
The Daily Wire reported that Kirk debated Abaraonye in May and encouraged the Oxford Union student to “think about” the things they discussed during the debate.
Following widespread backlash regarding the Oxford Union president-elect’s reaction to Kirk’s assassination on Wednesday, Abaraonye told The Times that he “reacted impulsively” by making comments that he later deleted.
READ MORE: Video: TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk assassinated
“Those words did not reflect my values. To be clear: nobody deserves to be the victim of political violence. Nobody should be harmed or killed for the views they hold,” Abaraonye told The Times. “I may have disagreed strongly with Mr Kirk’s politics, but in death we all deserve respect, and I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The Oxford Union also released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, regarding the comments made by the union’s president-elect.
“The Oxford Union would like to unequivocally condemn the reported words and sentiments expressed by the President-Elect, George Abaraonye, with regards to the passing of Charlie Kirk,” the Oxford Union stated. “His reported views do not represent the Oxford Union’s current leadership or committee’s view. The current administration has, under President Moosa Harraj, no association with, and is entirely independent from, Mr Abaraonye’s administration.”
The union noted that it opposes any form of political violence and is committed to supporting free speech and debate. The union also shared its condolences for Kirk’s family, including his wife and his two young children.
