Incoming elite UK student president faces backlash over Charlie Kirk comments
The incoming president of the Oxford Union, George Abaraonye, faces disciplinary proceedings and a possible vote of no confidence over his controversial comments about the murder of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The prestigious debating society confirmed that formal complaints had been filed against Abaraonye, which would be “addressed with the utmost seriousness” under disciplinary procedures. The Union cannot summarily dismiss a president-elect, but its rules allow for immediate removal if serious misconduct is proven.
More than 200 life members of the Union – alumni who have retained their membership – have signaled support for a no confidence motion, surpassing the 150-signature threshold required to bring proceedings, according to The Telegraph.
Abaraonye, who debated Kirk at the Union in May, posted celebratory messages on WhatsApp and Instagram after the activist was fatally shot on Wednesday during a campus event in Utah. One message read: “CHARLIE KIRK GOT SHOT LET’S F****** GO,” while another said: “Charlie Kirk got shot loool.”
He later deleted the remarks, insisting they were made before Kirk’s death was confirmed, and issued a partial apology. He blamed Kirk’s “horrific and dehumanising statements” regarding gun rights, Gaza, and LGBTQ issues for shaping his “impulsive” reaction.
The Union leadership condemned Abaraonye’s words as “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable,” arguing that “free speech cannot and will not come at the expense of violence, intimidation, or hate.”
The Union also denounced threats Abaraonye has reportedly faced since the comments became public. “No individual should ever be attacked because of the color of their skin or the community they come from,” it said.
Under Union rules, a no confidence motion cannot be submitted until the start of the new term on October 12. For the motion to succeed, it must gather 150 signatures within 48 hours, followed by a debate and vote open to all student and life members.
Kirk, 31, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University in what many described as a politically motivated assassination. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder.
