George Abaraonye, the president-elect of the Oxford Union, has issued an apology to the family of Charlie Kirk, following his controversial remarks celebrating Kirk’s assassination. The shooting occurred at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2023, leading to Abaraonye’s resignation from the historic debate society.
In a statement made on November 24, 2023, Abaraonye expressed regret for his comments, acknowledging that he “missed the mark” with his responses to the tragic event. He specifically reached out to Kirk’s widow, Erika, 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.”
Abaraonye’s inappropriate comments were made shortly after the incident, where he callously celebrated the news of Kirk’s shooting. He posted on WhatsApp, “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f–king go,” and later reiterated the sentiment on Instagram. The backlash from these statements was swift and severe, culminating in a vote of no confidence against him on October 21, 2023.
Abaraonye later explained that he reacted without sufficient context. “I had very little context for what I was reacting to, but I wanted to start a conversation,” he stated. He admitted that he failed to consider the gravity of the situation before making his remarks and deleted them once he understood the seriousness of Kirk’s injuries.
The Oxford Union confirmed Abaraonye’s resignation following the vote, which saw 1,228 members in favor and 501 against. His tenure as president was marked by a notable debate with Kirk earlier in May, where they discussed issues related to masculinity and societal pressures on young men.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Tyler Robinson was apprehended and charged with aggravated murder, along with other serious offenses, reflecting the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, Erika Kirk shared a poignant message on Thanksgiving, highlighting her husband’s love for the holiday as a time for gratitude. She reflected on her loss, noting, “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.”
This incident has raised important discussions about accountability and the impact of words in the wake of violence. As Abaraonye contemplates the consequences of his actions, the broader implications for social discourse remain significant.
