On September 15, 2025, the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos became the flashpoint for a national debate about free speech, campus conduct, and the boundaries of protest after a student, Devion Canty Jr., was filmed mocking the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The incident, which unfolded at a memorial event organized by the campus chapter of Turning Point USA, quickly spiraled into a viral controversy, drawing condemnation from university officials, state leaders, and the wider public.
According to Reuters, videos circulating online showed Canty re-enacting Kirk’s death in front of a crowd of mourners. In the footage, Canty can be seen slapping his neck and shouting, “Charlie Kirk got hit in the neck, bitch!” before dramatically slumping to the ground as if struck by a bullet. The performance, which included profanity and gestures, occurred at the base of a campus statue, amplifying its visibility and impact. The reaction from those present was one of shock and horror, with witnesses describing the scene as deeply disrespectful and inflammatory.
Within hours, the incident had spread across social media platforms. The public outcry was immediate and intense, with many calling for swift disciplinary action. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a prominent Republican and ally of the late Kirk, added his voice to the chorus, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Hey Texas State. This conduct is not accepted at our schools. Expel this student immediately. Mocking assassination must have consequences.” Abbott’s statement placed significant pressure on university officials to respond decisively.
Texas State University President Kelly Damphouse wasted little time in addressing the situation. In an official statement, Damphouse declared, “The university has identified the student in the disturbing video from Monday’s event. I will not tolerate behavior that mocks, trivializes, or promotes violence on our campuses. It is antithetical to our TXST values.” Damphouse’s remarks underscored the administration’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe environment, even as the campus community remained deeply divided over the appropriate response.
The student at the center of the controversy, Devion Canty Jr., soon publicly identified himself. Facing mounting backlash and what he described as personal safety concerns, Canty chose to withdraw from Texas State University rather than face immediate expulsion. In a statement posted on his self-run GoFundMe page, Canty explained, “Recently, I faced a situation where I had to choose between immediate expulsion or withdrawing from the university. I made the decision to withdraw—not because I wanted to leave, but for my own safety and the well-being of the campus community.”
On his crowdfunding page, Canty offered a more nuanced account of the events leading up to his actions. He wrote, “Unfortunately, the only public narrative out there is that I am an ‘out-of-control, disrespectful young Black man.’ In reality, I am a passionate student who made a mistake in the heat of the moment after being repeatedly disrespected—spit on, called racial slurs, and witnessing women being cursed at and pushed around. I spoke up, and while I recognize my actions weren’t perfect, I did not harm anyone.” Canty’s admission that he “made a mistake in the heat of the moment” was coupled with a plea for understanding and support as he sought to continue his education elsewhere.
The GoFundMe campaign, launched under the title “Going Back to txst,” quickly gained traction. By September 20, 2025, the fundraiser had garnered nearly $2,000, with a stated goal of $9,000 to cover the costs of pursuing his education at another institution or, as Canty wrote, “taking the necessary steps to return to Texas State.” Canty’s appeal struck a chord with some supporters, who saw in his story a broader commentary on the challenges faced by students who become embroiled in high-profile controversies.
This case is not isolated. As reported by the Associated Press, the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination has seen a wave of similar incidents across the country, with individuals losing jobs or being expelled from schools for remarks perceived as making light of or justifying the killing. Several GoFundMe campaigns have been launched by those claiming to have been “doxed and fired” for speaking out against what they described as “fascists.” One such fundraiser, run by a woman who lost her job after sharing her views online, had raised over $75,000 by the time of reporting, although she declined to specify the exact nature of her remarks.
The political climate on American campuses remains highly charged, with the Texas State University incident serving as a stark illustration of the fault lines that run through student communities. As Reuters noted, the expulsion of Canty demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach to behavior that is seen as mocking or trivializing violence, especially in the wake of a high-profile assassination. The university’s actions set a clear precedent for future conduct, signaling that such expressions, regardless of intent or context, will not be tolerated.
Yet the story is far from straightforward. Canty’s defenders argue that the reaction to his actions was disproportionate and that his withdrawal under threat of expulsion raises important questions about free speech and due process. In his own words, Canty insisted, “I still believe in my education and my future, and I would love to be welcomed back on campus one day.” His supporters point to the harassment and racial slurs he claims to have endured, suggesting that the incident reflects deeper issues of campus climate and the treatment of minority students.
University officials, for their part, maintain that the decision was not about stifling dissent but about upholding the institution’s values and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. President Damphouse reiterated, “I will not tolerate behavior that mocks, trivializes, or promotes violence on our campuses.” The administration’s stance has been praised by some as a necessary assertion of standards, while others see it as a troubling example of overreach and suppression of unpopular speech.
The broader context of Kirk’s assassination and its aftermath continues to fuel debate across the country. As the Associated Press observed, the killing has become a flashpoint for discussions about political violence, free expression, and the responsibilities of public institutions. The suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" by ABC, following the host’s controversial comments about the case, has only added to the sense that the nation is grappling with fundamental questions about the limits of acceptable discourse.
For Devion Canty Jr., the road ahead remains uncertain. His GoFundMe campaign, while providing some financial support, also serves as a public forum for the competing narratives that have emerged from the incident. Whether he will be able to resume his studies—at Texas State or elsewhere—remains to be seen. What is clear is that the episode has left an indelible mark on the campus community and the national conversation about protest, punishment, and the price of speaking out.
