The newly elected president of the Oxford Union, George Abaraonye, has issued an apology following his controversial comments celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The remarks, made shortly after Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2023, led to Abaraonye’s resignation from the prestigious debate society.
In a statement released on November 24, Abaraonye expressed his condolences to Kirk’s family, specifically addressing his widow, Erika Kirk, and their two children. He acknowledged that his initial comments were inappropriate and that he “missed the mark.” Abaraonye stated, “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,” as reported by The Times.
Controversial Comments Prompt Backlash
Shortly after the shooting, Abaraonye had posted messages on social media that appeared to celebrate Kirk’s death. He wrote on WhatsApp, “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f–king go,” and followed up with a similar message on Instagram. These comments drew significant backlash, prompting a no-confidence vote against him on October 21, 2023, which resulted in his removal from the presidency with a tally of 1,228 to 501.
Abaraonye later claimed that he lacked context for his reaction, admitting, “I had very little context for what I was reacting to, but I wanted to start a conversation.” He deleted his comments once he understood the severity of the situation, stating, “As soon as I saw how serious it was, I went on Instagram to apologize.” He emphasized that his remarks were made without due consideration and that he reacted impulsively to a headline.
The Aftermath of Kirk’s Death
Charlie Kirk, aged 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization focused on promoting conservative values among young people. His suspected assassin, Tyler Robinson, was apprehended shortly after the shooting and faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.
In a poignant Thanksgiving message, Erika Kirk reflected on her husband’s legacy and the importance of gratitude during such a difficult time. She expressed her appreciation for the support from friends and strangers alike, saying, “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.”
As the Oxford Union navigates the aftermath of this incident, Abaraonye’s comments serve as a reminder of the profound impact words can have, particularly in the wake of tragedy. The incident has raised questions about accountability and the responsibilities of leaders within student organizations.
