Introduction to the Incident
Texas State University said it is taking steps to identify an individual seen mocking the death of Charlie Kirk at a Monday vigil on the university’s campus.
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In a video posted to social media, the person can be seen imitating Kirk being shot in the neck and appears to spit on the ground near where students had set up signs and American flags. The person can also be seen in the video saying “f— that” “N-word” after someone confronts him over his behavior.
While it is not known if the person seen in the video is a student of the university, many have shared the video on social media and referred to him as a student.
The University’s Response
The Education Lab
A statement from Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse posted to X on Tuesday said the university is trying to identify the person in the video and determine if he is affiliated with the university. Damphousse said “appropriate action” will be taken if it is determined the individual is affiliated with Texas State.
“Let me be clear: expressions that glorify violence or murder have no place on our campuses,” Damphousse said in the statement.
Government Involvement
The investigation comes after Gov. Greg Abbott called on the university to “expel this student immediately” in a social media post Tuesday.
“Mocking assassination must have consequences,” he wrote on X.
“Any student who violates their school’s code of conduct by condoning or inciting political violence must face swift disciplinary action. Advocating for the assassination of political opponents is deplorable and fundamentally contrary to Texan values,” Abbott spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said in a written statement to The Dallas Morning News.
Similar Incidents
The incident comes after a student at Texas Tech University was arrested and expelled from the university after she was seen taunting people at a vigil for Kirk. She faces a misdemeanor assault charge, though police have not indicated the reason for the arrest, according to the Houston Chronicle.
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Kirk, 31, was assassinated last week while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The conservative influencer was best known as a co-founder of Turning Point USA.
Kirk’s death has drawn a wide array of responses. While many have mourned his death and organized prayer vigils and memorials, many have also taken to social media to celebrate the killing.
Aftermath and Investigations
The Texas Education Agency said Monday it is reviewing roughly 180 complaints of educators who allegedly made inappropriate comments about Kirk’s death on social media. American Airlines also “grounded” a pilot and removed them from service after they mocked Kirk on social media.
Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, has been arrested and charged with murder in Kirk’s death. Officials said Robinson disliked Kirk and his beliefs; messages engraved on the bullets used in the shooting included messages such as “Hey fascist, catch!” and references to an anti-fascist Italian folk song.
Staff writer Karen Brooks Harper contributed reporting from Austin.
Conclusion
The incident at Texas State University highlights the need for universities to address hate speech and violent behavior on their campuses. The university’s response to the incident, including the investigation and potential disciplinary action, demonstrates the importance of taking a strong stance against such behavior. The involvement of government officials, such as Gov. Greg Abbott, also emphasizes the need for a united front against hate and violence.
FAQs
Q: What happened at the vigil for Charlie Kirk at Texas State University?
A: A person was seen mocking the death of Charlie Kirk, imitating him being shot in the neck, and spitting on the ground near where students had set up signs and American flags.
Q: Is the person in the video a student at Texas State University?
A: It is not known if the person seen in the video is a student of the university, but many have shared the video on social media and referred to him as a student.
Q: What is the university doing in response to the incident?
A: The university is trying to identify the person in the video and determine if he is affiliated with the university, and “appropriate action” will be taken if it is determined the individual is affiliated with Texas State.
Q: What has Gov. Greg Abbott said about the incident?
A: Gov. Abbott called on the university to “expel this student immediately” and said that “mocking assassination must have consequences.”
Q: What is the current status of the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s death?
A: Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, has been arrested and charged with murder in Kirk’s death, and the Texas Education Agency is reviewing complaints of educators who allegedly made inappropriate comments about Kirk’s death on social media.
