TXST student expelled after video shows man mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination at campus vigil
A Texas State University student was expelled after video showed a man at a campus Turning Point USA vigil mock the assassination of Charlie Kirk, reenacting a shooting near the Fighting Stallions statue and prompting swift condemnation and action.
- Video evidence: A man filmed near the Fighting Stallions statue reenacted the shooting and used profanity toward vigil attendees, then simulated being shot and fell to the ground.
- University action: TXST President Kelly Damphousse said the person “is no longer a student,” calling the conduct antithetical to university values.
- Political pressure: Gov. Greg Abbott shared the footage and demanded immediate expulsion, amplifying calls for accountability.
- Privacy limits: Texas State declined to release identifying details citing student privacy and conduct policies; no criminal charges were reported publicly at the time of reporting.
What happened at the vigil
Video shared widely on social media captured the incident Monday afternoon on Texas State’s main quad near the Fighting Stallions statue. The footage shows a man who introduced himself as “Charlie Kirk,” directed profanity at vigil attendees, then acted as though he had been shot and collapsed, leaving attendees visibly shocked.
Witnesses and the recording indicate the man carried a backpack and appeared to seek out the Turning Point USA-hosted vigil where organizers were marking a moment tied to Kirk’s death. The incident was recorded and published on social platforms and by news outlets, accelerating public response.
Reported coverage and video sources include KSAT: Gov. Abbott calls for immediate action, AOL News: Video captures man acting Charlie Kirk’s death, and multiple YouTube video clips.
University response and disciplinary action
Texas State University officials reviewed the footage and surrounding circumstances. President Kelly Damphousse issued a public statement condemning the behavior, calling it “antithetical to our TXST values” and saying expressions that glorify violence or murder “have no place” at Texas State.
“This conduct is not accepted at our schools. Expel this student immediately. Mocking assassination must have consequences,” — Gov. Greg Abbott (shared publicly while urging swift action)
University officials confirmed the individual “is no longer a student at the school.” Texas State cited privacy and student conduct rules in declining to release additional identifying information or confirm whether further disciplinary measures might follow.
At the time of reporting, public accounts did not show criminal charges in the Texas State case; the university relied on student conduct codes and public-safety protocols to resolve the incident.
Political reaction
Governor Greg Abbott amplified the video on social platforms and demanded immediate expulsion, writing that such conduct “must have consequences.” National conservative outlets and activists also highlighted the episode, framing it within concerns about the safety of conservative voices on campuses.
The swift public condemnation from state leadership added political pressure that university leaders said influenced the speed of disciplinary action.
Broader context and similar campus incidents
The Texas State episode follows nationwide tensions after the high-profile death of Charlie Kirk. Several memorials and vigils have seen protests, heated exchanges, and in at least one other instance, disciplinary and criminal consequences. For example, a Texas Tech student was expelled and arrested after disturbing comments at a Kirk memorial vigil that led to misdemeanor assault charges.
Legal observers note campuses must balance First Amendment protections with rules forbidding threats, harassment, and conduct that endangers others. Institutions increasingly rely on student conduct processes and campus-safety protocols when determining appropriate sanctions.
Privacy and legal limits on disclosure
Texas State said it would not release additional information about the expelled student, citing privacy rules and student conduct policies — a common stance when universities discipline students. Federal student-privacy laws and public-record rules limit disclosure in many disciplinary matters.
Law-enforcement involvement varies by case. In this Texas State matter, public reporting did not show criminal charges at the time of the university’s statement; other incidents tied to memorial events have resulted in arrests when officials determined laws were broken.
Media coverage and social reaction
Video of the incident circulated widely on social media and was republished by local and national outlets, which helped drive rapid public backlash and official responses. Social reaction varied from calls for accountability to debates about free speech and how campuses should respond to provocative conduct at memorial events.
Coverage sources include news items, platform-hosted videos, and local reporting that preserved the original footage and witness accounts.
Implications for The High Desert, California
Economic impact
Local colleges and universities in the High Desert depend on enrollment, partnerships and donor support. High-profile out-of-state incidents can shape perceptions among parents, donors and prospective students, potentially prompting increased spending on security, training and communications for high-profile events.
Political consequences
Local officials and school boards may watch the episode closely. Moderately conservative voters in the region emphasize law, order and campus safety. Officials could call for clearer policies to protect peaceful expression while holding students accountable, sparking town halls or policy proposals.
Social effects
The incident underscores tensions around political speech and protest that can spill into community life. Community groups and faith leaders may organize dialogues, vigils or educational events to foster civil discourse and support victims of political violence while clarifying free-speech boundaries.
Practical applications for local institutions and residents
- Event planning: Review protocols for memorials, speaker events and protests; ensure clear signage and trained security.
- Coordination: Strengthen coordination between campus security and local law enforcement and establish rapid communication plans for families and the public.
- Student training: Remind student groups of conduct policies and offer de-escalation and event-management training to leaders.
The Texas State response — rapid disciplinary action, public condemnation, and protection of student privacy — provides a model for immediate steps that also respect legal constraints on disclosure.
Sources
- KSAT: Gov. Abbott calls for immediate action after apparent student mocked Charlie Kirk’s death on TXST campus
- AOL News: Video captures man acting Charlie Kirk’s death at Texas State vigil
- San Antonio Express-News: Coverage of Texas State incident and university statement
- YouTube (video clip 2EUBvRnFbok)
- YouTube (video clip IhWDj3OkTG8)
- YouTube (video clip 2lpZEGsOi1U)
- YouTube (video clip sxKfIL6e_z8)
