The Oxford Union has condemned comments reportedly posted by its incoming president that appeared to welcome the fatal shooting of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk while he was speaking at a university in Utah.
Charlie Kirk, 31, an influential right-wing campaigner and close ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot dead while speaking at the university on Wednesday, according to multiple media reports. Following news of the attack, student George Abaraonye is reported to have posted on Instagram and in private chats words that seemed to celebrate the incident before deleting them.
The Oxford Union said in a statement posted on X late Thursday that it "unequivocally condemn[ed] the reported words and sentiments" attributed to Mr. Abaraonye, who was elected president of the student debating society in June. The statement said his "reported views do not represent the Oxford Union's current leadership or committee's view," added that the current leadership had "no association" with him, and extended condolences to Kirk's family.
The union reiterated its opposition to all forms of political violence and its commitment to free speech and considerate debate. An Oxford University spokesperson—separate from the independent Union—said: "The Oxford Union is independent of the University. We deplore comments appearing to endorse violence - they are unacceptable and entirely contrary to the values of our community."
Media reports said Mr. Abaraonye took part in a debate with Kirk at the Oxford Union in May in which the pair discussed masculinity. During that exchange, Kirk argued the West had become "hyper-feminist" and said it needed to "restore the balance that God created, man and woman." Mr. Abaraonye told the audience that Kirk's views did not address "a lot of the issues that a lot of young men face" and that young men were harmed by "the idea that men can't be in touch with their feelings."
According to reports in the Times and the Guardian, Mr. Abaraonye told the Times he had "reacted impulsively" and quickly deleted the posts because they did not reflect his values. He was quoted as saying, "nobody deserves to be the victim of political violence" and adding, "I may have disagreed strongly with Mr Kirk's politics, but in death we all deserve respect, and I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones." He told the Guardian his reaction was "shaped by the context of Mr Kirk's own rhetoric – words that often dismissed or mocked the suffering of others." The BBC has sought comment from Mr. Abaraonye.
The shooting has prompted a police investigation in the United States and drawn attention to reactions across political and academic communities. The Oxford Union is a long-established student debating society that regularly hosts international political figures and commentators. The society's leadership stressed that the reported comments were unacceptable and inconsistent with the Union's stated dedication to debate and safety.
The controversy over the reported social media posts underscores tensions around campus events that feature polarising public figures and the scrutiny faced by student organisations when members' private statements become public. The Oxford Union said it would continue to uphold free speech while condemning political violence, and it reiterated its sympathy for Kirk's family amid ongoing reporting and investigation into the attack.