George Abaraonye, the Oxford Union president-elect, has publicly apologized for his insensitive remarks celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Following the tragic shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2023, Abaraonye faced swift backlash that culminated in his resignation from the historic debate society.
In his apology issued on October 21, Abaraonye expressed regret for his comments, stating, “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.” His remarks were directed towards Kirk’s widow, Erika, and their two children. He emphasized his hope that they could find a way to heal from this tragedy.
Abaraonye’s initial response to the shooting was met with widespread condemnation. Shortly after the incident, he posted on WhatsApp, “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f–king go,” and made similar comments on Instagram. He later acknowledged that he lacked the context needed to understand the gravity of the situation, claiming he wished to spark a discussion but “missed the mark.”
“I reacted without nuance and without having done research,” Abaraonye explained. He acknowledged that his comments were made before the release of footage from the shooting, which provided a clearer understanding of the events surrounding Kirk’s death. “As soon as I saw how serious it was, I went on Instagram to apologize,” he added.
Following his remarks, the Oxford Union conducted a vote of no confidence against Abaraonye, which resulted in his ousting with a tally of 1,228 votes against him and 501 in favor of retaining him. The debate society confirmed his resignation, which took effect on November 24, 2023.
Abaraonye, a third-year undergraduate studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, had previously engaged in a debate with Kirk during his visit to Oxford in May. The discussion focused on themes of masculinity and societal expectations, with both individuals expressing their views on contemporary cultural issues.
The suspected shooter, identified as Tyler Robinson, was apprehended shortly after the incident. He is facing charges including aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury.
In the wake of her husband’s death, Erika Kirk shared a poignant Thanksgiving message expressing gratitude despite her profound loss. She reflected on the blessings of family and friends, emphasizing the importance of gratitude even in times of deep sorrow. “God blessed me with being married to the love of my life, with our beautiful babies, with our family and friends,” she wrote.
The events surrounding the tragic death of Charlie Kirk continue to resonate, highlighting the need for sensitivity in public discourse and the profound impact of violence on families and communities.
