Governor Greg Abbott called for the immediate expulsion of a Texas State University student on Monday after a video showed the individual mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a campus memorial event, marking the latest in a series of campus disciplinary actions following the prominent Turning Point USA founder's death.
The incident occurred during a Charlie Kirk memorial hosted by the local Turning Point USA chapter on the San Marcos campus, where video footage captured a person imitating Kirk's death and allegedly spitting near mourners gathered at a "Fighting Stallions" statue. Abbott shared the video on the social media platform X, declaring that "mocking assassination must have consequences" and demanding immediate action from university officials.
University Launches Investigation Amid Political Pressure
Texas State President Dr. Kelly Damphousse responded swiftly to the governor's demand, announcing that university officials would take "immediate steps to identify the individual in the video". In a stat” In a statement released on social media, Damphousse emphasized that the behavior violated university values and would face consequences if the person proved to be affiliated with the institution.
"Behavior that trivializes or promotes violence is reprehensible and violates the values of TXST. It will not be tolerated," Damphousse stated. "If this individual is found to be affiliated with TXST, appropriate action will be taken".
The video, initially posted by the X account TheTexasOne, shows the individual going up to the campus statue after initially failing to capture the crowd's attention, then performing actions that mocked Kirk's death to incite reactions from gathered mourners. Someone can be heard warning the person, "You're going to get expelled, dude," according to local news reports.
Part of Broader Pattern of Campus Incidents
The Texas State incident represents the latest in a wave of disciplinary actions against students who mocked or celebrated Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA and became a prominent conservative voice among young Americans, was fatally shot while speaking during his "American Comeback Tour" event.
At Texas Tech University, 18-year-old Camryn Giselle Booker was both expelled and arrested after disrupting a Kirk vigil, allegedly shouting "F**k y'all homie dead, he got shot in the head" at mourners gathered near the Student Union Building. Booker faced charges of assault after police said she hit a man holding a "Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk" sign in the head with an open hand.
"Any behavior that denigrates victims of violence is reprehensible, has no place on our campus, and is not aligned with our values," Texas Tech officials stated in confirming Booker's expulsion.
Governor Issues Broader Warning to Universities
Abbott's response to the Texas State incident followed his Sunday warning to those publicly mocking Kirk's death. In a post on X, Abbott wrote "FAFO"—an acronym for "F*** Around and Find Out"—in response to the Texas Tech video, signaling his administration's intent to pursue consequences for such behavior.
The governor has positioned himself as a strong defender of campus civility following Kirk's assassination, which authorities have classified as a "political assassination". Abbott's statement about Kirk emphasized the activist's influence, describing him as "a beacon for millions of young Americans searching for truth, courage, and conviction".
Educational Personnel Face Widespread Scrutiny
The campus incidents have occurred alongside broader disciplinary actions against Texas educators who commented inappropriately on Kirk's death. The Texas Education Agency confirmed it is reviewing at least 180 complaints against public school teachers and staff who posted controversial social media content about the assassination.
Education Commissioner Mike Morath warned that educators who "posted and/or shared reprehensible and inappropriate content on social media" could face suspension or revocation of their teaching certificates. Several districts have already taken action, including Klein ISD, which dismissed a social studies teacher who called Kirk "racist, homophobic, a misogynist, transphobic, nasty person".
Free Speech Tensions on Texas Campuses
The disciplinary actions come as Texas universities navigate increasingly restrictive campus speech policies implemented by the Republican-controlled legislature. Abbott previously issued Executive Order GA-44, which requires public universities to incorporate the state's definition of antisemitism into their free speech policies and establish penalties, including potential expulsion.
Texas State University has updated its policies in compliance with Abbott's orders, though some student groups have expressed concern about the discretionary enforcement mechanisms. The university's current Expressive Activities Policy requires individuals to present valid identification to law enforcement when engaged in campus speech activities.
Legal Challenges to Campus Speech Restrictions
The incidents unfold against the backdrop of ongoing legal challenges to Texas's new campus protest restrictions. Student groups filed a federal lawsuit in September challenging Senate Bill 2972, which bans "expressive activities" on campuses from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. and imposes additional restrictions on demonstrations.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, representing the student plaintiffs, argues that the law unconstitutionally restricts protected speech, potentially affecting activities ranging from religious gatherings to wearing political t-shirts during limited hours.
National Context of Political Violence
Kirk's assassination has prompted nationwide discussions about political violence and campus safety. The 31-year-old activist was struck by a single shot fired from approximately 142 yards away while speaking to students, leading to a two-day manhunt that ended with the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah.
Turning Point USA has announced a memorial service for Kirk, scheduled for September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, with attendance expected from former President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The organization Kirk co-founded grew to include over 850 college chapters nationwide, making it a significant force in conservative campus activism.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Implications
As Texas State continues its investigation, the incident underscores the complex challenges universities face in striking a balance between free speech protections and community standards, as well as political pressures. The university has not yet determined whether the individual in the video is actually a student, though Abbott's public demand for expulsion has created significant political pressure for swift action.
The pattern of immediate disciplinary responses to Kirk-related incidents across Texas universities suggests a coordinated effort by state leadership to send a strong message about acceptable campus behavior. With multiple legal challenges pending and ongoing investigations into educator conduct, these cases may set important precedents for how Texas institutions handle politically charged incidents in an increasingly polarized environment.