George Abaraonye, the president-elect of the Oxford Union debating society at England’s University of Oxford, was removed from his position after a no-confidence vote by members. The decision followed the leak of a WhatsApp message and an Instagram post in which Abaraonye reacted to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk with the phrase “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s fking go.” The comment triggered immediate backlash, leading to a vote where 1,228 members supported his removal against 501 opposed.
Abaraonye, elected in June, had debated Kirk earlier this year on topics including “toxic masculinity” and male suicide. He denied his remarks reflected his true beliefs, stating, “In that moment of shock … I reacted impulsively … Those words did not reflect my values.” Despite submitting a motion of confidence, the Union declared him “deemed to have resigned” after the vote.
An open letter from Oxford Union alumni, including former presidents, condemned Abaraonye’s remarks and called for his resignation. The letter stated, “Your public reaction to a fatal shooting displayed a callousness inconsistent with the Union President’s duty to safeguard free and open debate, rendering it untenable for you to accede to the Office of President.”
The incident has led to donor withdrawals and broader scrutiny, with similar consequences faced by others responding to Kirk’s assassination, including media professionals and public figures.
