The Oxford Union’s president-elect, George Abaraonye, has publicly apologized to the family of Charlie Kirk after making insensitive comments celebrating Kirk’s assassination. His remarks followed the tragic shooting that resulted in Kirk’s death at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2023.
In a statement released on October 21, 2023, Abaraonye expressed his remorse to Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and their two children. “I want to offer my apologies and my condolences. No one deserves to lose a husband, no child deserves to grow up without a father. I hope that they are able, in some capacity, to move on from what was a tragic event and to that end, I am very sorry,” he stated, as reported by The Times.
Abaraonye’s comments came shortly after the incident, when he reportedly cheered, “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f–king go,” in a WhatsApp message and later reiterated similar sentiments on Instagram. He claimed his reaction stemmed from a lack of understanding of the situation, stating, “I had very little context for what I was reacting to.” He later deleted the posts and publicly apologized, acknowledging that he “missed the mark.”
The response to Abaraonye’s comments was swift. Following a vote of no confidence, he was removed from the presidency of the Oxford Union, with a significant majority supporting his ousting—1,228 votes in favor and 501 against. His resignation was confirmed shortly thereafter, marking a notable end to his brief tenure as president of the historic debate society.
Abaraonye, a third-year student studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, had engaged in a debate with Kirk during the latter’s visit to Oxford in May 2023. Their discussion centered on issues facing younger generations, including masculinity and societal expectations. At that time, Abaraonye had raised questions about the “infantilization of young men” and “toxic femininity,” sparking a dialogue on these complex topics.
The investigation into the shooting identified Tyler Robinson as the alleged assailant, who was apprehended shortly after the incident. He is facing charges that include aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.
In a poignant Thanksgiving message shared on social media, Erika Kirk reflected on her husband’s legacy and the outpouring of support from the community. “God blessed me with being married to the love of my life, with our beautiful babies, with our family and friends, and with people from all over the world who have sent us letters, toys, artwork, and Bibles,” she wrote.
Abaraonye’s actions have sparked discussions about accountability and the impact of social media commentary in sensitive situations. His experience serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of public statements and the importance of consideration in the wake of tragic events.
