LUBBOCK, Texas – A freshman at Texas Tech University has been expelled after a video surfaced online showing her mocking the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a heated argument on campus.
The student, 18-year-old Camryn Giselle Booker, is no longer enrolled at the university, according to a statement provided by Texas Tech to FOX Television Stations. In addition to her removal from the school, Booker was arrested and charged with assault in connection with the confrontation, the Lubbock County Assistant District Attorney’s Office confirmed to KCBD NewsChannel 11. She was later released after posting a $200 bond.
The video, widely shared on social media, appears to show Booker in Texas Tech’s designated free speech area, taunting another individual while mocking Kirk’s death. At one point, Booker is seen flicking the baseball cap of the person she was arguing with. Prosecutors have not elaborated on whether that action specifically constituted the basis for the assault charge.
Reaction from State and University Leaders
The backlash was swift. Governor Greg Abbott took to X.com, writing that the expelled student “definitely picked the wrong school to taunt the death of Charlie Kirk.”
Backing Abbott’s remarks, Texas Tech Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell reposted the governor’s statement, adding, “We are proud of our values and are not afraid to stand up for them.”
In its official response, Texas Tech said Booker’s actions violated the principles the university expects of its students:
“Any behavior that denigrates victims of violence is reprehensible, has no place on our campus, and is not aligned with our values. Federal law prevents Texas Tech University from commenting on individual student conduct matters. We take all reported violations seriously and address them under university policy and the law,” the university said in a statement to FOX Television Stations.
A Broader Debate on Campus Speech
The incident has reignited debate over the state of free speech and campus conduct in Texas universities. Supporters of the expulsion argue that mocking a victim of political violence crosses a moral line and discredits the values of the institution. Critics, however, warn that universities risk conflating offensive or provocative speech with punishable misconduct, setting a precedent that could chill campus debate.
Booker’s arrest and expulsion mark one of the most high-profile disciplinary actions at a Texas university tied to political speech since the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump last year.
As of now, Texas Tech has not provided additional details, citing federal privacy protections.
Sources: Texas Tech University, Lubbock County Detention Center, Governor Greg Abbott, Texas Tech Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell, FOX News, KCBD NewsChannel 11.