An Oxford University student and president-elect of the prestigious debating society could face a no-confidence vote over “inappropriate” remarks that appeared to celebrate the fatal shooting of political commentator Charlie Kirk.
George Abaraonye, 20, made several comments in a WhatsApp group last month, seemingly welcoming the news that the right-wing activist had been shot.
“Charlie Kirk got shot let’s f*****ng go,” wrote the Politics, Philosophy and Economics student.
Another message, purportedly sent from Abaraonye’s Instagram account, read: “Charlie Kirk got shot loool.”
He later deleted the message after learning about Mr Kirk’s death, admitting he “acted poorly” without “knowing about the situation”.
Abaraonye has reportedly suffered racial abuse and threats since his comments were made public.
Now, the Oxford University student has triggered a vote of no confidence against himself in a bid to claim “true accountability”.
Abaraonye became president-elect of the debating society after a vote in June.
On Saturday, Oxford Union members will vote on whether to oust him.
He is hoping that enough people vote for him to remain in his position so that he can continue with renewed legitimacy.
Abaraonye posted on Instagram: “On Saturday 18th October there will be a poll of the members to decide whether or not I should be removed as President-Elect of the Oxford Union. ‘Vote NO. As I will be doing.”
However, his chances of winning are now uncertain after voting was opened to proxy voters yesterday, allowing tens of thousands of current Oxford Union members — including students and alumni worldwide — to take part.
A group called Concerned Alumni of the Oxford Union is campaigning to gather enough support to have George Abaraonye ousted.
The group consists of dozens of former Union officers and has been actively encouraging members to take part in the upcoming vote.
A spokesperson said: “The Oxford Union and its parent organisation OLDUT have so far failed to deal with the sickening and unacceptable actions of their president – it now falls to the society's members, and particularly its alumni, to demonstrate that the Oxford Union does not tolerate the incitement or celebration of political violence.”
They added that the decision to allow proxy voting — described as “an unprecedented decision” — came after Concerned Alumni highlighted the need for wider participation in the vote.
“Mr Abaraonye's words upset and appalled members across the world – we strongly urge all life members to head to the union on Saturday to stand up to hatred, intolerance, and the celebration of violence.”
To be eligible to vote, members must email the Union with proof of identity by Friday.
In a YouTube interview this week, Mr Abaraonye claimed he had been “misrepresented” by the media because he had not realised Kirk had died when he posted the messages.
He said: “I reacted poorly, I reacted very quickly. At the time I didn't know anything about the situation.
“I retracted and deleted my comments, and the stories came out a day later saying I celebrated his death. But at this point I had no clue.”
When asked if he would have said it if he had seen the video of the shooting, he said “no”.
