Oxfordunion/YouTubeThe Oxford Union has condemned comments made by its incoming president appearing to celebrate the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Student George Abaraonye posted on social media after news of the shooting broke, seeming to welcome the attack, according to media reports.
Mr Abaraonye had taken part in a discussion with Kirk at the university debating society in May, in which the pair expressed opposing views on masculinity.
The BBC has contacted Mr Abaraonye for a response. He reportedly told the Times that he had “reacted impulsively” and quickly deleted the comments, as they did not reflect his values.
Kirk, an influential right-wing activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead while speaking at a university in Utah on Wednesday.
According to the Telegraph, Mr Abaraonye posted a message on Instagram which read “Charlie Kirk got shot loool” – an elongated version of the phrase ‘lol’ which means ‘laughing out loud’.
He is also said to have posted in a WhatsApp chat with fellow students, appearing to welcome the incident.
In a statement posted on X late on Thursday, the Oxford Union said it “unequivocally condemn[ed] the reported words and sentiments” expressed by Mr Abaraonye, who was elected as the society’s new president in June.
“His reported views do not represent the Oxford Union’s current leadership or committee’s view.”
It added that its current leadership had “no association” with Mr Abaraonye and shared its condolences with Kirk’s family.
“We reaffirm our stance that the Oxford Union firmly opposes all forms of political violence and strongly stands by our commitment to free speech and considerate debate.”
Getty ImagesMr Abaraonye was one of several students to debate Kirk at the Union in May.
During their exchange, Kirk said the West had become “hyper-feminist” and that it needed to “restore the balance that God created, man and woman”.
Mr Abaraonye said Kirk’s views did not address “a lot of the issues that a lot of young men face” and that they were being harmed by “the idea that men can’t be in touch with their feelings”.
According to the Times, Mr Abaraonye said he removed his comments after reacting on impulse and that “nobody deserves to be the victim of political violence”.
“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 also told the Guardian that his reaction was “shaped by the context of Mr Kirk’s own rhetoric – words that often dismissed or mocked the suffering of others”.
An Oxford University spokesperson said on Friday: “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.”
