Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The Oxford Union Society, a renowned debating society based in Oxford, has condemned its incoming leader, George Abaraonye, for celebrating the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Abaraonye, who became Oxford Union's president-elect in June 2025, made gleeful comments about Kirk being shot on the encrypted text-messaging platform WhatsApp.
In a group chat, Abaraonye allegedly wrote, "Charlie Kirk got shot, let\u2019s f---ing go," accompanied by a prayer emoji. He also posted a similar comment on his Instagram account, writing "Charlie Kirk got shot loool," with "loool" exaggeratedly written as "laugh out loud." These posts were made shortly after Kirk was fatally shot during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
Background on Charlie Kirk's Assassination
Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative titan and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University. The incident has been described as a targeted political assassination. The gunman used a high-powered rifle to fire a single bullet from the roof of a building.
Investigation and Arrest
The FBI released images and video of a person of interest in the case, and authorities worked to crack down on the suspect. President Donald Trump announced that the suspect had been captured, stating, > "I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody. Everyone did a great job. We worked with the local police, the governor \u2014 everybody did a great job."
The suspect was apparently turned in by a family member at the urging of a faith leader. The arrest came after two false alarms, with one suspect arrested moments after the assassination and another arrested hours later, both of whom were later released.
Oxford Union's Response
The current leadership at Oxford Union moved to distance itself from Abaraonye, condemning his actions. In response to the backlash, Abaraonye apologized, stating that he had reacted impulsively and that his comments did not reflect the values of the Oxford Union.
Implications and Reactions
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shocked the nation's conscience, with many politicians and public figures condemning the act of violence. President Trump called for Americans to unite in memory of Kirk, vowing to crack down on the "radical left."
The incident has also raised concerns about gun violence and political tensions in the United States. > "On this much, Americans on both sides of the partisan divide can agree: The gun violence must stop," a recent article noted.
Conclusion
The Oxford Union Society has faced criticism for its incoming leader's comments on Charlie Kirk's assassination. The incident has highlighted the need for greater civility and respect in public discourse, as well as the importance of addressing gun violence and political tensions.
Additional Context
Charlie Kirk was a prominent conservative influencer and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a group that aims to promote conservative values on college campuses. His assassination has been widely condemned, with many calling for greater unity and civility in public discourse.
The Oxford Union Society is a renowned debating society based in Oxford, known for promoting free speech and intellectual discussion.