Texas State University has expelled a student who mocked conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination in a video that went viral on social media. The incident occurred on the university’s San Marcos campus during a memorial event organized by the local Turning Point USA chapter. The student was seen reenacting the moment Kirk was shot in the neck, mimicking pain, and provoking onlookers with offensive gestures and language. The video sparked immediate outrage, prompting Texas Governor Greg Abbott to call for the student’s expulsion, describing the behavior as unacceptable and demanding consequences.
In the viral footage, the student dramatically slaps his neck, yells a profane phrase referencing the shooting, and at one point, climbs a statue while continuing to mimic Kirk’s death. The disturbing display was met with shock from many attendees and caused widespread condemnation across social media and political circles. Texas State University President Kelly Damphouse responded quickly, confirming that the student had been identified and was no longer enrolled at the university. While the exact details of the student’s departure—whether expulsion or voluntary withdrawal—were not publicly disclosed, Damphouse labeled the behavior as “reprehensible” and stated that it violates the university’s values.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the killing of Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Since then, several students across Texas have faced disciplinary actions for mocking or disrespecting Kirk’s death, leading to a broader debate over free speech, campus safety, and the boundaries of respectful discourse.
Governor Abbott’s swift response and the university’s decisive action reflect a zero-tolerance stance on conduct that glorifies violence or mocks tragic events. The university emphasized that any behavior trivializing or promoting violence contradicts its core values and will not be tolerated on campus. The episode adds to growing discussions about how educational institutions manage hate speech and protect community standards during politically charged times.
