Watch: Texas student mocks Charlie Kirk’s death at vigil; expelled after Abbott’s call

A Texas State University student has been expelled after a video showed him mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a memorial event on campus. The clip, filmed on Monday at the San Marcos campus, quickly spread online and drew national political attention.The video appeared to show the student, wearing a backpack, cursing at a crowd gathered by a Turning Point USA memorial. He then struck his neck and collapsed as if he had been shot, before standing in front of a statue and saying, “Hi, my name is Charlie Kirk,” while repeating the act. The student later spat near TPUSA members and used what looked like a vape pen, a violation of campus policy.Texas Governor Greg Abbott condemned the performance and demanded the student’s removal. “Hey Texas State. This conduct is not accepted at our schools. Expel this student immediately. Mocking assassination must have consequences,” Abbott wrote on X.By Tuesday, Texas State University President Dr Kelly Damphousse confirmed action had been taken. “I will not tolerate behaviour that mocks, trivialises, or promotes violence on our campuses,” he said. “It is antithetical to our TXST values. The individual is no longer a student at TXST.” Damphousse added that federal law prevented him from commenting further on individual conduct cases.Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University last week has triggered a wave of disciplinary action across the country. Dozens of people — including journalists, academics, airline staff and corporate employees — have been suspended or fired for mocking or making light of his death. Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah was dismissed over social media posts, while MSNBC severed ties with analyst Matthew Dowd after he linked Kirk’s rhetoric to political violence. Airlines including Delta, United and American also removed staff for online comments.The crackdown has fuelled fierce debate. Supporters argue mocking a political killing crosses the line, while critics say universities and employers are caving to political pressure and threatening free expression. The ACLU and PEN America have both warned that punishing individuals for speech risks chilling dissent.Kirk, 31, was the founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA and a father of two. His death has shaken US politics, with Vice President JD Vance and other Republicans urging institutions to hold accountable those seen to glorify political violence.