Texas State student expelled after video shows mock assassination of Charlie Kirk at campus vigil
A Texas State University student was expelled after a video circulated showing him mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a Turning Point USA vigil on the San Marcos campus; officials condemned the act and took action.
- Student expelled: Texas State identified and expelled the student seen mocking the Charlie Kirk vigil (Source: AOL article; San Antonio Express-News coverage).
- Video shows mock assassination: Footage appears to show a man saying “Hi, my name is Charlie Kirk,” clutching his neck and pretending to be shot (video; report).
- Political pressure: Gov. Greg Abbott urged immediate consequences, amplifying calls for swift action (Abbott comments; coverage).
What happened at Texas State
Video shared widely on social media shows a man at a Turning Point USA memorial on the Texas State campus in San Marcos. The man walks through a crowd gathered around a statue and appears to taunt mourners. Witnesses in the footage say he struck his neck, fell to the ground and pretended to be shot while saying, “Hi, my name is Charlie Kirk,” a line meant to mock the conservative activist who had been killed. (Video sources: YouTube video 1; YouTube video 2).
The footage sparked immediate backlash. People at the vigil and others who saw the video called the act disturbing and disrespectful. The university said it reviewed the incident and took disciplinary action. Texas State President Kelly Damphousse released a statement calling the behavior “reprehensible” and saying the university would take appropriate action because “behavior that trivializes or promotes violence is reprehensible and violates the values of TXST. It will not be tolerated.” (Statement reported by Express-News).
University response and expulsion
After reviewing the video and related information, Texas State identified the student seen in the footage and expelled him. University officials cited policies against conduct that promotes violence and disrupts the campus community. The school noted federal privacy rules limit what it can say about specific student disciplinary cases, but confirmed the student is no longer enrolled. (Reporting: Express-News.)
The university did not report criminal charges tied to the Texas State incident. Law enforcement sources and public records searches did not show arrests connected to the filmed behavior at Texas State as of the most recent reports. (Sources: AOL; video.)
Political reaction
Governor Greg Abbott publicly condemned the act and urged Texas universities to act swiftly. On social media and in public statements, Abbott said mocking an assassination is intolerable and asked for immediate expulsion of the student involved. His comments amplified attention and put pressure on university leaders to respond firmly. (See Abbott’s remarks and related reporting: AOL.)
Campus climate and broader tensions
Observers tied the incidents to a broader pattern of rising tensions on college campuses between some students and conservative speakers or groups. Turning Point USA, which organized the vigil, is a conservative student group that often draws strong reactions on campuses. Some analysts said the videos show how polarized speech and protest on college grounds can quickly escalate into behavior that institutions must address under codes of conduct.
Texas Tech incident: arrest and expulsion
The day before the Texas State video spread, Texas Tech University officials removed a student who allegedly shouted at a similar Kirk vigil and made remarks mimicking the killing. Authorities at Texas Tech arrested 18-year-old Camryn Giselle Booker on misdemeanor assault charges after a video showed her saying, “F— y’all homie dead, he got shot in the head” during the event. Texas Tech confirmed she is no longer enrolled; she was released on a $200 bond after arrest. (Sources: video; Fox News; NDTV.)
Legal and campus policy notes
University disciplinary codes typically prohibit conduct that threatens safety, promotes violence or creates a hostile environment. Federal privacy laws like FERPA limit how much detail schools can release about student discipline. That is why officials often confirm only status changes — such as a student no longer being enrolled — without releasing personnel or disciplinary records. (Context: Express-News; AOL.)
Evidence for reporting
This article is based on video posted publicly and reporting from multiple outlets. Videos of the Texas State incident are available online (YouTube video 1; YouTube video 2). Reporting and statements about the incident and the university response appear in coverage by Times Media Service partners and other outlets (AOL compilation; Express-News). The Texas Tech arrest and expulsion are documented in video and news reports (video; Fox News; NDTV).
Implications for Los Angeles
Economic and campus safety implications
The incidents in Texas underscore issues many California—and Los Angeles—colleges are watching closely. Universities in the Los Angeles region, from community colleges to private and public universities, host frequent events with politically charged speakers. Campus leaders here may need to review safety plans and code-of-conduct enforcement to prevent similar episodes that threaten student safety and harm campus reputations. Increased security at public events can raise costs for student groups and institutions, affecting budgets and programming choices.
Political and legal consequences
Los Angeles has its share of politically diverse campuses. City and university officials may face pressure from community groups and elected leaders to take clear stances when protests turn to threats or glorification of violence. California institutions often balance free speech protections with campus safety and nondiscrimination policies. The Texas cases show how swift administrative responses draw public attention and legal scrutiny. Local leaders should be ready to explain how they enforce rules fairly without infringing on lawful expression.
Social and community effects
Videos like these travel fast on social media, inflaming debate and sometimes endangering students. In Los Angeles, a diverse student population means demonstrations can quickly intersect with broader local issues, from race and policing to political polarization. Campus outreach and dialogue programs that build understanding across ideological divides may reduce the chance that protests escalate into actions that invite expulsion or arrest.
Cultural relevance and student life
Los Angeles colleges host many student groups across the political spectrum. Incidents that target conservative activists, or any group, can affect recruitment, alumni giving and local community partnerships. Schools here rely on a mix of public goodwill and private support; reputational hits from viral videos can ripple into funding and community trust. Student organizations may need clearer rules and training for events that invite outside speakers or that respond to national controversies.
Practical steps for Los Angeles institutions
- Review event security protocols for high-profile or politically charged gatherings.
- Provide clear guidance to student groups about conduct, de-escalation and consequences for promoting or reenacting violence.
- Expand programs that foster civil dialogue and conflict resolution among student groups.
- Coordinate with local law enforcement and campus police to set expectations for response when speech crosses into threats or criminal conduct.
- Communicate transparently with students and the public about disciplinary policies while respecting privacy laws.
Reporting notes and sources
This article draws on video and reporting from multiple outlets and public statements from university officials and state leaders. Key sources include an AOL report and video compilation, coverage and university statements in the San Antonio Express-News, and several publicly posted videos related to the incidents (YouTube; YouTube; YouTube; YouTube). Reporting on the Texas Tech arrest and expulsion is available from NDTV and Fox News.
Reporting by Times Media Service
