Texas State student expelled after reenacting Charlie Kirk assassination, launches GoFundMe to pay for education

A Texas State University student has been expelled after a video showed him publicly reenacting the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a campus gathering. Devion Canty Jr. said on a GoFundMe page that he was involved in a situation where he made a mistake “in the heat of the moment,” and he described the expulsion as a consequence of a volatile moment on campus. Canty also began a fundraising effort to help cover his education costs, writing that he still hopes to continue his studies and that he would welcome a possible return to Texas State in the future.

The incident occurred Sept. 15, 2025, at the San Marcos campus during a Turning Point USA event. Canty is seen in the footage yelling at mourners, then climbing to the base of a statue and repeating a re-enactment of Kirk being shot. In the video, Canty is heard shouting, "Charlie Kirk got hit in the neck, bitch!" and then slumping to the ground as if wounded. The clip circulated widely online, prompting calls from lawmakers and university officials for accountability. Charlie Kirk was later targeted in the events surrounding the same week, after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott quickly weighed in, urging Texas State to expel the student immediately and saying that mocking violence has no place on public campuses. Abbott’s post on X urged swift action, and state leaders signaled they expected the university to take decisive steps. In response, Texas State University officials identified Canty as the student involved and announced his removal from the student population. In a statement, University President Kelly Damphouse said the behavior depicted was antithetical to the institution’s values and would not be tolerated on campus. Canty later described the choice he faced as a straightforward option between immediate expulsion or withdrawal, saying he chose withdrawal for his safety and the campus community’s well-being, though he did not frame the decision as an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by others.

Canty’s GoFundMe page, titled “going back to txst,” states that he is seeking funding to cover the costs of continuing his education elsewhere or to facilitate a potential return to Texas State. As of Saturday morning, the fundraiser had raised about $2,000 toward a $9,000 goal. He wrote that he remains committed to his education and would like to be welcomed back to the campus in the future, even as he pursues opportunities elsewhere. Canty also claimed he faced pressure and targeted criticism as he described himself as an “out-of-control, disrespectful young Black man” while asserting that his actions were not intended to harm anyone.

The case has drawn attention to how university conduct policies intersect with political speech and expressions on campus, a topic that has generated debate across state capitals and college towns. Canty’s supporters have described him as a passionate student who believes in his right to voice his opinions, while critics have argued that the conduct mocked violence against a public figure and victims of tragedy. Canty’s fundraiser is part of a broader pattern on the fundraising platform, where individuals who report being fired or expelled for remarks linked to Kirk’s death turn to GoFundMe to cover education or living expenses. Some fundraisers have raised tens of thousands of dollars, highlighting the platform’s role as a financial safety net during campus and workplace upheavals.

The episode at Texas State unfolds amid a broader national dialogue about free expression on college campuses, harassment, and how institutions respond to provocative demonstrations. While Canty’s actions were met with swift administrative consequences, supporters say the incident underscores the need for dialogue about safety, accountability, and the responsibilities of students in heated political moments. University officials reiterated that they will continue to review the incident for any ongoing implications for campus safety and policy.

[IMAGE1]

[IMAGE2]

[IMAGE3]

[IMAGE4]

The evolving situation remains a focal point for discussions about campus climate, student conduct, and how universities balance protection of free expression with the safety and well-being of students and staff. Officials said they would coordinate with state leaders as appropriate and monitor developments that could inform future policy decisions. The university did not provide further comment beyond the statements already released, and Canty’s GoFundMe page remains active as he pursues his plan to continue his education, whether at Texas State in the future or elsewhere.