"While praising Charlie Kirk’s commitment to free speech, Texas leaders move to punish students celebrating his death" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

Last week, as Texas State students gathered to mourn the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, another student began taunting them.

“Hi, my name is Charlie Kirk,” he announced, before collapsing to the ground, pretending to be shot. As he walked away, someone on video can be heard saying, “you’re going to get expelled, dude.”

Gov. Greg Abbott agreed, telling the university on social media to “expel this student immediately. Mocking assassination must ha

See Full Page