Texas State student expelled after video shows man mocking Charlie Kirk assassination at campus vigil
A Texas State University student was expelled after video showed them mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a San Marcos campus vigil on Sept. 15, 2025, prompting swift political and university action.
Key takeaways
- Expulsion: University leaders identified the person in the viral clip and confirmed they “are no longer a student” at Texas State (see KSAT, Express-News).
- Political pressure: Governor Greg Abbott reposted the clip on X and demanded immediate expulsion, accelerating the university response.
- Free-speech debate: Administrators said the act violated conduct rules by trivializing violence; legal experts note such disciplinary decisions are often complex.
- Broader context: The incident came amid nationwide campus vigils and heightened tensions after the killing of Charlie Kirk, and was one of several viral confrontations that week.
What the video shows and how officials reacted
Video posted online shows a person wearing a backpack walking into a small group gathered at a memorial vigil run by a local Turning Point USA chapter by the “Fighting Stallions” statue in the Quad at Texas State’s San Marcos campus. The person calls out, “Hi, my name is Charlie Kirk,” then pretends to be shot and collapses to the ground. Witnesses can be heard expressing shock and anger in clips that circulated widely (AOL).
The footage spread quickly across social platforms. Within hours, Governor Greg Abbott reposted the video and called for immediate action, writing, “Expel this student immediately. Mocking assassination must have consequences.” That public demand heightened pressure on Texas State administrators to act rapidly (KSAT, Fox San Antonio).
University statement and disciplinary action
Texas State President Kelly Damphousse issued a statement saying the behavior “trivializes or promotes violence,” violates institutional values and “will not be tolerated.” He confirmed the individual in the video “is no longer a student at the school,” but the university declined to release the person’s name or student records citing privacy rules (KSAT, Express-News).
University officials said they reviewed the footage, identified the person and applied student-conduct standards related to harassment and promoting violence. The specific charge and formal hearing record were not released publicly. Administrators cited the university’s commitment to a safe learning environment as a reason for the swift action (KSAT).
Campus context: tensions after a high-profile killing
The episode occurred amid national anger and fear following the murder of Charlie Kirk. Campuses hosted vigils, protests and counterprotests; emotions were high and several events became flashpoints for confrontation. Conservative student groups reported clashes at events in recent days, and the Texas State incident became one of several viral moments prompting questions about safety and civility on campus (AOL, Express-News).
Related incident at Texas Tech
In a separate case that same week, a student at Texas Tech University, Camryn Giselle Booker, was expelled and arrested after footage showed her shouting inflammatory remarks at a vigil for Kirk. Booker was charged with misdemeanor assault and later posted bond, according to reporting; that case intensified debate about when speech crosses into criminal conduct (Fox News, AOL).
Legal and free-speech questions
The Texas State action reopened familiar legal and policy questions: what speech is protected on campus and what conduct can trigger discipline. Administrators argued the student’s actions were not protected because they trivialized a violent death and disrupted a memorial event, while legal experts emphasize that outcomes turn on specific facts and constitutional protections. The university did not cite exact code sections in its public statement (KSAT).
Video’s role and social media pressure
The rapid spread of video placed public pressure on state leaders, campus officials and the broader public. Experts caution that social media can both reveal misconduct and amplify demands for immediate punishment before full investigation. Texas State leaders said they reviewed the footage and followed university procedures before removing the student’s status (AOL, KSAT).
Implications for the Inland Empire, California
Local campuses and student groups: Colleges in the Inland Empire should expect heightened scrutiny of on-campus events. Student organizations hosting vigils or counter-events may need clearer safety plans, signage and conduct rules.
Campus safety and policing: Viral videos and public pressure can force rapid decisions by campus police and administrators. Institutions may review incident response plans and communications protocols to handle similar viral incidents without compromising privacy.
Political and community reaction: Elected officials and community leaders may face calls to respond when incidents draw statewide or national attention, balancing free expression with campus safety.
Student conduct policies: Universities may revisit codes of conduct to clarify expectations around protests, memorials and simulations of violence, helping administrators respond consistently.
Practical impact: For Inland Empire residents, high-profile campus incidents can affect campus atmosphere, recruitment, town-gown relations and nearby businesses if protests or media coverage intensify.
Reporting notes and sources
This report is based on local and national coverage and video posted online. Key reporting and footage include:
- AOL — video captures man acting as Charlie Kirk
- KSAT — local coverage and university response
- San Antonio Express-News — coverage of the Texas State incident
- Fox San Antonio — political reaction and local reporting
- Fox News — Texas Tech related incident
- YouTube — video compilation 1
- YouTube — video compilation 2
- YouTube — video compilation 3
- YouTube — related Texas Tech clip
Note: No further personal details about the student removed from Texas State’s rolls have been released by the university. Officials say they acted after reviewing video evidence and applying student conduct rules. The case underscores tensions campuses face when grief, politics and social media collide.
