Texas State student expelled after viral video mocking Charlie Kirk’s killing at campus vigil
A Texas State University student has been expelled after a viral video showed him theatrically mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an on-campus vigil, prompting Governor Greg Abbott and university leaders to call for swift disciplinary action.
Key takeaways
- Viral video: A man was filmed near the campus Fighting Stallions statue appearing to imitate Charlie Kirk being shot; footage spread quickly on social media (KSAT, AOL).
- Administrative action: Texas State President Kelly Damphousse said the individual is no longer enrolled and described the conduct as unacceptable (KSAT, ExpressNews).
- Political pressure: Governor Greg Abbott reposted the video and demanded immediate expulsion, intensifying public scrutiny (KSAT, FOX San Antonio).
Video and eyewitness details
What happened: On Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, a man recorded at Texas State University walked toward the campus Fighting Stallions statue carrying a backpack, cursed at attendees, made a throat-cutting gesture and then clutched his neck while saying, “Hi, my name is Charlie Kirk,” before collapsing theatrically. Attendees captured multiple clips that were shared widely online (KSAT, AOL).
Eyewitness reaction: Witnesses described the action as shocking and disrespectful to mourners. No physical violence was reported; the footage shows a staged mock of the killing that had already occurred and prompted strong online backlash (AOL, ExpressNews).
University and state response
University action: Texas State President Kelly Damphousse issued a statement saying the person in the video is no longer a student and that behavior which “mocks, trivializes, or promotes violence” runs counter to the institution’s values. She also noted that federal privacy rules limit public disclosure about student conduct cases (KSAT, ExpressNews).
Governor’s statement: Governor Greg Abbott reposted the video on X and wrote,
“This conduct is not accepted at our schools. Expel this student immediately.”
His public call for swift punishment amplified pressure on the university to act (KSAT, AOL, FOX San Antonio).
Criminal charges: Officials said the response was administrative; the university did not announce criminal charges related to the incident (KSAT).
Context and related campus incidents
The Texas State episode occurred amid heightened tensions on campuses after Charlie Kirk’s killing. Earlier in the same week, an 18-year-old student at Texas Tech was reportedly expelled and arrested after a separate video showed derogatory shouts at a vigil; that case resulted in misdemeanor assault charges. Coverage and clips are available in media accounts and online videos (AOL, YouTube clip 1, YouTube clip 2).
Campus statements: Universities condemned any glorification of violence and stressed that campus safety and respect at memorials are priorities. Administrators reiterated conduct policies that bar actions promoting or trivializing harm (ExpressNews, FOX San Antonio).
Public and media reaction
Divided responses: The footage drew sharp criticism from conservative voices and public officials who called it morally wrong and dangerous. Others raised questions about protest rights and whether universities risk chilling speech by taking swift disciplinary action.
Some civil liberties groups urge consistent, even-handed application of rules to protect protest rights, while many campus community members say staging or mocking violence at a memorial is harmful and undermines safety.
Implications for San Diego, California
Campus policy review: San Diego-area institutions — including San Diego State University and UC San Diego — may reassess enforcement of policies on simulated violence and event protocols, watching how Texas State’s disciplinary response unfolds.
Political and community climate: Local leaders may face pressure from those demanding stricter penalties and from advocates warning against overreach that could chill protest. Clear guidance and training for student organizations may follow.
Law enforcement coordination: Campus safety officials in San Diego might review monitoring and investigative procedures for high-tension memorials to ensure incidents crossing into criminal behavior are quickly documented.
Practical effects for families: The episode underscores the consequences of viral behavior for students’ reputations and the importance of conversations about civic norms and protest conduct.
Sources
Sources for this story include: KSAT; AOL; San Antonio Express-News; FOX San Antonio; and related video reports on YouTube and YouTube.
