The Oxford Union has “unequivocally” condemned comments reportedly made by its president-elect, George Abaraonye, about the fatal shooting of rightwing activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, 31, was killed at a Utah Valley University show in what authorities have called a political assassination.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Abaraonye posted messages in a WhatsApp group and on Instagram after Kirk’s death, including “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s fucking go” and “Charlie Kirk got shot loool”. In a statement on Thursday, the Union said it “firmly opposes all forms of political violence” and that Abaraonye’s reported views “do not represent the Oxford Union’s current leadership or committee’s view”.
The Union added: “We would like to reiterate that our condolences lie with Charlie Kirk’s family, especially his wife and young children, who are enduring such terrible grief.” Abaraonye responded by saying he had “reacted impulsively” and that the comments were “quickly deleted” after news of Kirk’s death emerged. He said his reaction was shaped by Kirk’s own rhetoric, which he described as “horrific and dehumanising”.
Kirk and Abaraonye had met during a debate on toxic masculinity held by the Oxford Union in May. US President Donald Trump paid tribute to Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom” after the shooting.
