The Oxford Union has “unequivocally” condemned comments reportedly made by its president-elect, George Abaraonye, about the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in the United States. Kirk, 31, was killed at a Utah Valley University show on Wednesday in what authorities have described as a political assassination.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Abaraonye posted messages in a WhatsApp group and on Instagram following Kirk’s death, including “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s fucking go” and “Charlie Kirk got shot loool”. The Oxford Union, in a statement on Thursday, criticised the student’s remarks and said it “firmly opposes all forms of political violence and strongly stands by our commitment to free speech and considerate debate”.
The current administration, under president Moosa Harraj, stated that Abaraonye’s reported views “do not represent the Oxford Union’s current leadership or committee’s view” and that it has “no association with and is entirely independent from Mr Abaraonye’s administration”. The Union also extended condolences to Kirk’s family, particularly his wife and young children.
In response, Abaraonye said he had “reacted impulsively” and that the comments were “quickly deleted” after news emerged of Kirk’s death. He added: “Those words did not reflect my values. Nobody deserves to be the victim of political violence … I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.” He further explained that his reaction was shaped by Kirk’s own rhetoric, which he described as “horrific and dehumanising”, including remarks on school shootings, civilian deaths in Gaza, and calls to retract the Civil Rights Act.
Abaraonye and Kirk had previously met during a debate on toxic masculinity held by the Oxford Union in May. In the wake of the shooting, US President Donald Trump paid tribute to Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom”.
