The Oxford Union’s president-elect, George Abaraonye, has publicly apologized to the family of Charlie Kirk for his insensitive comments celebrating Kirk’s assassination. Following the fatal shooting at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2023, Abaraonye faced significant backlash that ultimately led to his resignation from the historic debating society.
In a statement released on October 21, 2023, Abaraonye expressed remorse for his remarks. He specifically addressed Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and their two children, 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.” He hoped they could move forward from the tragic event, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Shortly after the incident, Abaraonye made a series of posts on social media, including a WhatsApp message that read, “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f–king go,” and another on Instagram that echoed his shock and disbelief. He later claimed that he had reacted without fully understanding the details of the shooting. “I missed the mark,” he admitted. “I had very little context for what I was reacting to… I didn’t take into account the nuance or consider that at all when I made the comments.”
Resignation and Backlash
Abaraonye’s comments were met with immediate condemnation, leading to a no-confidence vote on October 21, 2023. He was subsequently removed from his position after a decisive vote, which tallied 1,228 to 501 in favor of his ousting. The Oxford Union confirmed his resignation on November 24, 2023.
As a third-year undergraduate studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Abaraonye previously debated Kirk during a visit to Oxford in May 2023. Their discussion focused on controversial topics such as the effects of modern culture on young men, culminating in a heated exchange over “toxic femininity” and the “infantilization of young men.”
Abaraonye’s comments and subsequent fallout have sparked broader discussions about the responsibilities of public figures in the wake of tragic events. The Oxford Union, founded in 1823, has a long history of fostering debate and free speech but now faces scrutiny regarding its leadership selections.
Reaction from the Kirk Family
In the aftermath of the shooting, Erika Kirk shared a heartfelt message on Thanksgiving, reflecting on the importance of gratitude during challenging times. She emphasized her love for her late husband, stating, “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.”
The suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, was apprehended shortly after the incident and faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder. The tragic circumstances surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death have prompted discussions on issues of violence and public discourse, particularly in the context of political activism.
As the community navigates the aftermath of this incident, Abaraonye’s apology serves as a reminder of the profound impact words can have, especially in the face of loss.
