The incoming president of the Oxford Union, George Abaraonye, has been accused of celebrating the killing of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk after messages allegedly posted shortly after the fatal shooting circulated on social media and were reported by the Telegraph.
The Telegraph said it had seen messages it attributed to Abaraonye, including a WhatsApp message reading, "Charlie Kirk got shot, let's f***ing go," and an Instagram post that said, "Charlie Kirk got shot loool." The Oxford student's Instagram account has been made private and it is unclear whether the WhatsApp account that appeared to send the messages belongs to Abaraonye. Abaraonye was elected president in June and debated Kirk at an Oxford event in May on the subject of "toxic masculinity."
Kirk was shot while speaking about mass shootings during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem. He was struck in the neck by a single bullet, taken to hospital and later died, authorities said. Officials described the suspect as a male of college age and said investigators had video footage of the individual. A high-powered bolt-action rifle was recovered from a nearby wooded area after the shooter reportedly jumped from a roof and fled the scene.
The shooting prompted a wide range of reactions in the United States. Former President Donald Trump announced Kirk's death on social media and called him a "martyr for truth and freedom," directing that flags on U.S. government buildings be flown at half-staff. Tributes to Kirk and expressions of grief were posted by political figures and supporters across social media.
The alleged messages attributed to Abaraonye prompted swift condemnation from Oxford-based institutions. An Oxford University spokesperson said the Oxford Union is independent of the university and that it "deplore[s] comments appearing to endorse violence — they are unacceptable and entirely contrary to the values of our community." The Oxford Union issued a separate statement saying it "unequivocally condemn[s] the reported words and sentiments expressed by the President-Elect, George Abaraonye, with regards to the passing of Charlie Kirk." The society added that the reported views do not represent the current leadership or committee and noted that the current administration, led by President Moosa Harraj, has no association with Abaraonye's incoming administration.
The Oxford Union statement reiterated the society's stated opposition to all forms of political violence and its commitment to free speech and considerate debate, and extended condolences to Kirk's family. The union did not provide details about any internal disciplinary process or investigation related to the messages.
Abaraonye previously served as vice-president of the Oxford African and Caribbean Society and was reported to have sat on the university's Race Equality Task Force, participatory roles the society said involved engaging in conversations on racial diversity within the university. He and Kirk faced one another at an Oxford debate in May in which they disputed the impact of "toxic masculinity" on younger generations of men and women.
The circulation of the alleged messages came amid broader controversy over public reactions to Kirk's death. Some commentators accused elements of the political left of exploiting the killing for political advantage. On British television, left-leaning writer Nels Abbey drew criticism for comparing Kirk to David Duke, and a BBC panel appearance by Democratic strategist Joi Chaney drew complaints after she said Kirk "wasn't admired and loved by all." Left-wing activist Femi Oluwole also drew backlash for a post contrasting reactions to the killing with public responses to civilian deaths in Gaza.
Social media posts attributed to Abaraonye were shared widely before his Instagram account was made private. News outlets and university bodies have reported the allegations while noting that the provenance of the messages has not been independently verified. The Oxford Union and the university reiterated opposition to political violence and sympathy for Kirk's family as the investigation into the shooting continues and as questions over the authenticity of the messages remain unresolved.