Identity of Speakers
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Devion Canty Jr.
Student
OtherStudent at Texas State University
Resources
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Social media
Other
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Incident Political Orientation:
Not Clear -
Incident Responses:
Student sanctioned
State Campus Free Speech Act
Title IX or other federal statute
Other
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Incident Status:
No litigation
- Was Speech Code incident
Summary
On September 16, 2025, Texas State University reported that a student had posted a video on social media mimicking the assassination of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk during a campus vigil held after Kirk was shot in Utah. In the video, the student introduced himself as Charlie Kirk, slapped his neck, and used gestures simulating a fatal shooting. Texas Governor Greg Abbott reposted the video and called for the student’s expulsion, stating, “Mocking assassination must have consequences.” University president Kelly Damphousse said the behavior was unacceptable and violated campus values.
On September 17, 2025, the university confirmed that the student, later identified as Devion Canty Jr., was no longer enrolled. Damphousse said, “I will not tolerate behavior that mocks, trivializes, or promotes violence on our campuses,” and noted that federal law prevented further comment on individual conduct matters. Media coverage detailed reactions from experts and commentators, including discussions about the limits of campus speech and the potential consequences of viral student behavior.
On September 20, 2025, Canty publicly explained on GoFundMe that he had chosen to withdraw rather than face immediate expulsion. He wrote, “I made the decision to withdraw … for my own safety and the well-being of the campus community,” and described his actions as a “mistake in the heat of the moment.” He also expressed a hope to return to school in the future, but as of early 2026, no updates indicated any change in his enrollment status.
Following Kirk’s assassination, similar incidents occurred at other universities. Students, faculty, and staff across the country faced suspensions, removals, and other disciplinary actions for posting, sharing, or otherwise referencing content related to Kirk’s death, including imitations of the vigil videos or online commentary about the killing. Many universities took immediate action against individuals perceived to have violated conduct standards, resulting in widespread discipline.
