The president-elect of the Oxford Union, George Abaraonye, expressed regret over his insensitive remarks celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which led to his stepping down from the historic debate society. In a statement released on Friday, Abaraonye acknowledged his error in judgment following the tragic incident that took place at Utah Valley University on September 10, resulting in the death of the Turning Point USA founder.

In his apology, Abaraonye reached out to Kirk’s widow, Erika, and their two children, expressing his sorrow for the pain his comments might have caused. “I want to extend my sincere apologies and condolences. Losing a husband and a father is an unimaginable loss, and I hope they find the strength to navigate through this tragic time. I am truly sorry for my insensitivity,” he stated, as reported by The Times.

At just 20 years old, Abaraonye had been elected president of the Oxford Union, a venerable institution established in 1823. His callous reaction to the shooting, initially shared on WhatsApp, drew widespread criticism. “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f–king go,” he wrote, a message he later admitted was made without understanding the full gravity of the situation.

Reflecting on his actions, Abaraonye conceded that his words had “missed the mark,” acknowledging that they were inappropriate and hurtful in light of the tragedy. His resignation underscores the importance of empathy and responsibility, especially in positions of influence and leadership.

“Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f–king go,” he posted on WhatsApp shortly after the shooting.

“Charlie Kirk got shot loool,” he added on Instagram.

Abaraonye claimed he made the comments before footage of the Sept. 13 shooting was posted online with “little context” of what happened.

“I had very little context for what I was reacting to, but I wanted to start a conversation … I missed the mark … and that’s why I deleted and retracted my comments,” he told the outlet. “As soon as I saw how serious it was, I went on Instagram to apologize.”

Abaraonye faced backlash for his comments and was voted out of the presidency after a vote of no-confidence against him on Oct. 21.

“I reacted without nuance and without having done research,” he told The Times. “I saw a headline and I reacted. I didn’t take into account the nuance or consider that at all when I made the comments.”

The society confirmed his resignation after the 1,228 to 501 vote on Nov. 24, according to the Oxford Student.

Abaraonye, a third-year Philosophy, Politics, and Economics undergrad, had debated Kirk when the activist visited Oxford in May.

Abaraonye showed up to the debate wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt.

Abaraonye challenged Kirk to expand on his claims that younger generations of boys are being negatively affected by the wider culture, which tamps down masculinity.

“It’s a very good faith question, thank you,” Kirk said to Abaraonye while they squared off over podiums.

The two did come to loggerheads over the issue of “infantilization of young men” and “toxic femininity,” which Abarayone suggested was a byproduct of an “oppressive system.”

When asked what could contribute to happiness in men is, in part, “openness to allowing men to express themselves any way they want.”

Kirk’s suspected assassin Tyler Robinson was captured days after the shooting and is charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice.

Erika Kirk offered a heartfelt Thanksgiving message Thursday, saying her husband “always loved Thanksgiving because it drew us back to the simple, but holy practice of gratitude.”

“And even now, well, especially now, in the depths of the ache, I’m reminded of that gratitude,” she wrote. “God blessed me with being married to the love of my life, with our beautiful babies, with our family and friends, and with people from all over the world who have sent us letters, toys, artwork, and Bibles.”