SAN MARCOS, Texas (AP) — In a swift and controversial move, Texas State University expelled a student on Tuesday after a viral video showed him mocking the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a campus memorial event. The incident, which unfolded on September 16, 2025, has ignited debates over free speech, political violence, and the role of state government in higher education.
The footage, which has garnered millions of views across social media platforms, captures the student—identified by university officials as 21-year-old sophomore Marcus Hale—imitating a shooting gesture while shouting profanities, racial slurs, and derogatory remarks about Kirk’s death. The mockery occurred near a group of mourners gathered for a vigil honoring Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 11, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Authorities have Tyler Robinson, a 24-year-old former student at the Utah school, in custody as the prime suspect in Kirk’s killing, which investigators describe as a targeted political attack.
Hale’s actions reportedly included spitting in the direction of attendees and chanting phrases that celebrated the violence, prompting immediate outrage from witnesses and online users. The video spread rapidly on X (formerly Twitter), where hashtags like #CharlieKirkMemorial and #CampusHate trended nationwide, drawing responses from conservative influencers and civil rights advocates alike.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a vocal supporter of Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization, responded forcefully to the video late Monday evening. In a statement posted on X, Abbott demanded the student’s “immediate expulsion,” likening the case to a similar incident at Texas Tech University earlier this year, where he pressured administrators to oust a student for inflammatory social media posts. “Mocking murder and spewing hate has no place on our campuses,” Abbott wrote. “Texas State must act now to protect free expression from those who twist it into threats.”
University President Dana Gibson confirmed the expulsion in an email to the campus community on Tuesday morning, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to a safe environment. “While we uphold the principles of free speech, actions that incite harm or disrupt memorial events cross a clear line,” Gibson stated. “The decision was made after a thorough review, prioritizing the well-being of our students and staff.” Hale, who was studying political science, has been banned from campus property pending any potential legal action, though no criminal charges have been filed as of yet.
The expulsion comes amid heightened national tensions following Kirk’s death, which has polarized communities and sparked discussions on political extremism. Kirk, 31, was a prominent figure in conservative youth activism, known for his fiery campus speeches and opposition to progressive policies. His assassination has been mourned by right-wing leaders, including former President Donald Trump, who called it “a tragic loss for America,” while some left-leaning commentators have criticized Kirk’s rhetoric as divisive.
Critics of the university’s response, including free speech organizations like the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), argue that the expulsion sets a dangerous precedent. “Expelling a student for offensive speech, even in a memorial context, risks chilling protected expression,” said a FIRE spokesperson in a statement. “Universities must navigate these waters carefully to avoid political overreach.” On the other hand, student government leaders at Texas State praised the action, with one representative telling local media, “This wasn’t speech; it was harassment that made people feel unsafe.”
Online reactions have been swift and divided. Conservative users on X have lauded Abbott’s intervention, with posts like “Finally, accountability for hate!” gaining thousands of likes. Progressive voices, however, have decried the move as censorship, pointing to Abbott’s history of influencing public universities. One viral thread accused the governor of “weaponizing state power against dissent,” amassing over 50,000 retweets.
As investigations into Kirk’s assassination continue, with federal authorities probing potential accomplices, the Texas State incident underscores the raw emotions surrounding political violence in an election year. University officials have increased campus security and announced counseling services for affected students, while Hale’s family could not be reached for comment.
