George Abaraonye, the president-elect of the Oxford Union, is to face disciplinary proceedings following controversial remarks he made in response to the fatal shooting of American political commentator Charlie Kirk. The Oxford Union confirmed the decision in a statement released on Saturday, citing the “inappropriate nature” of the comments.
Abaraonye, a student at the University of Oxford, was elected to lead the prestigious debating society in June. According to reports published by The Telegraph, he posted celebratory messages in a WhatsApp group after news of Kirk’s death emerged. One message read, “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s fucking go,” while another, allegedly sent from his Instagram account, stated, “Charlie Kirk got shot loool.”
The Oxford Union condemned the remarks, clarifying that they were Abaraonye’s personal views and did not reflect the values of the institution. “We emphasise that these are his personal views and not those of the Union,” the statement read. “At the same time, we are deeply disturbed by and strongly condemn the racial abuse and threats that George has faced in response.”
The Union further stated that it does not possess the authority to dismiss a president-elect summarily. However, it confirmed that formal complaints had been submitted and that disciplinary proceedings would be conducted with “the utmost seriousness.”
The statement also addressed the broader implications of the incident, reaffirming the Union’s commitment to free speech and civil discourse. “Free speech cannot and will not come at the expense of violence, intimidation, or hate,” it said. “Our duty is to demonstrate to our members, the university community, alumni, and the wider public, that disagreement must be expressed through debate and dialogue, not through abuse or threats.”
In a public response issued on Thursday, Abaraonye expressed regret over his comments, describing them as impulsive and stating that they were quickly deleted. “Those words did not reflect my values,” he said. “Nobody deserves to be the victim of political violence … I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.”
He went on to explain that his reaction had been influenced by Kirk’s own controversial rhetoric. “Mr Kirk described the deaths of American children from school shootings as an acceptable ‘cost’ of protecting gun rights,” Abaraonye said. “He justified the killing of civilians in Gaza, including women and children, by blaming them collectively for Hamas. He called for the retraction of the Civil Rights Act, and repeatedly spread harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ and trans communities.”
The two men had previously met during a debate on toxic masculinity hosted by the Oxford Union in May. Following Kirk’s death, US President Donald Trump paid tribute to him, describing him as a “martyr for truth and freedom.”
Valerie Amos, Master of University College, Oxford, where Abaraonye is enrolled, confirmed that no disciplinary action would be taken by the college. “Though Mr Abaraonye’s comments are abhorrent, they do not contravene the college’s policies on free speech, or any other relevant policy,” she said. “Therefore, no disciplinary action will be taken.”
The incident has sparked widespread debate within the university community and beyond, raising questions about the boundaries of free speech, the responsibilities of student leaders, and the appropriate response to inflammatory rhetoric. The Oxford Union has reiterated its commitment to upholding its traditions of respectful debate and intellectual engagement, stating that the matter will be handled in accordance with its disciplinary procedures.
