The Oxford Union has “unequivocally” condemned comments made by its incoming president, George Abaraonye, about the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Kirk, a 31-year-old Trump ally, was killed at a Utah Valley University show on Wednesday in what authorities called a political assassination.
Abaraonye, who became president-elect of the Oxford Union after a vote earlier this year, posted several messages appearing to celebrate the killing. One said “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f****** go”, while another on Instagram read “Charlie Kirk got shot loool”.
In a statement on X, the Union said it “firmly opposes all forms of political violence and strongly stands by our commitment to free speech and considerate debate”. It added: “The Oxford Union would like to unequivocally condemn the reported words and sentiments expressed by its President-Elect… His reported views do not represent the Oxford Union’s current leadership or committee’s view.”
The Union offered condolences to Kirk’s family, especially his wife and young children. Kirk and Abaraonye had previously met during a Union debate on “toxic masculinity” in May. The society, founded in 1823 and described as “the most prestigious debating society in the world”, has hosted figures including Malcolm X.
US President Donald Trump paid tribute to Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom”, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other UK politicians expressed condolences. A UK offshoot of Turning Point USA, co-founded by Kirk, is set to gather in Whitehall on Friday evening to remember him.
