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11 Sept 2025
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11 Sept 2025
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The Oxford Union has “unequivocally” condemned comments made by its incoming president about the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Donald Trump ally Mr Kirk, 31, was killed at a Utah Valley University show on Wednesday in what authorities called a political assassination.
George Abaraonye, who became president-elect of the Oxford Union after a vote earlier this year, posted several comments appearing to celebrate what happened, The Telegraph reported.
One message was thought to have said “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f****** go”, while another on Mr Abaraonye’s Instagram account read “Charlie Kirk got shot loool”.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the Oxford Union criticised the student’s comments and said it “firmly opposes all forms of political violence and strongly stands by our commitment to free speech and considerate debate”.
“The Oxford Union would like to unequivocally condemn the reported words and sentiments expressed by its President-Elect, George Abaraonye, with regards to the passing of Charlie Kirk,” the society said.
“His reported views do not represent the Oxford Union’s current leadership or committee’s view.”
— Oxford Union (@OxfordUnion) September 11, 2025
The statement 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.”
Mr Kirk and Mr Abaraonye met during a debate on “toxic masculinity” held by the Oxford Union in May, The Telegraph reported.
Describing itself as “the most prestigious debating society in the world”, the Oxford Union was founded in 1823 and counts historical figures including Malcolm X among those to have attended its discussions.
US president Mr Trump paid tribute to Mr Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom” after the shooting, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other leading UK politicians also expressed condolences online.
A UK offshoot of the youth right-wing organisation Turning Point USA, which was co-founded by Mr Kirk, will gather in Whitehall on Friday evening to remember him.
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