College Student Who Mocked Charlie Kirk’s Assassination Faces Backlash After Poem Goes Viral — Then Issues Public Apology

A University of Texas at San Antonio student who sparked national outrage after reciting a poem mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has issued a public apology following widespread criticism and a university investigation.

The student, identified as 19-year-old Isabela Casahuga Lemgruber, came under scrutiny after a video of her appearance at a campus event circulated online in late October.

The incident itself took place on September 23, 2026, during a “Pick Up the Mic” event hosted by conservative activist Christian Collins, founder of the Texas Youth Summit. The event gave students an opportunity to approach Collins and express their views.

Rather than asking a question, the student introduced a poem she said she had written about the anniversary of Kirk’s dєatᩚh.

The poem was modeled on the familiar Christmas verse “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” but replaced its holiday imagery with references to Kirk’s fatal śh́óóting.

One passage included the words: “As we solemnly remembered a shot to the neck,” followed by a reference to what she called the “great Kirkiversary.”

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Utah. He was 31.

The student’s performance did not end with the poem. She also made remarks directed at Collins, suggesting he was brave to appear in public without wearing a neck brace or other protection.

When Collins asked whether she was happy with herself, she reportedly replied: “Baby, I’m thrilled.”

Collins later shared the footage on social media on October 27, describing the performance as a celebration of Kirk’s assassination. The video quickly spread, prompting angry reactions and calls for the university to take disciplinary action.

Collins said the student’s comments about his lack of neck protection made him uncomfortable. He initially responded by telling her he would pray for her.

The controversy soon reached university officials.

The University of Texas at San Antonio confirmed that it was reviewing the incident through its student-conduct process. A university spokesman said the sentiments expressed in the video did not reflect the institution’s values.

The University of Texas System also issued a statement through Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife and Chancellor John Zerwas.

“We will not tolerate the incitement of violence or the threat of incitement of violence by any member of our UT community,” the officials said, adding that UT San Antonio would handle the matter in accordance with the law.

The university did not announce whether the student would face disciplinary action, citing student privacy protections.

As the video continued circulating, the backlash extended beyond criticism of the poem. Social media users called for her expulsion, while others made claims about her immigration status and family background. Those online claims did not establish that her relatives were involved in the incident or that immigration authorities had taken action against her.

Facing growing public attention, Casahuga eventually released an apology video on November 1.

She directly addressed Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, their children and the wider family, acknowledging that her words had been deeply insensitive given their loss.

She also apologized to Collins, describing her remarks at the campus event as inappropriate and hurtful.

“There’s nothing acceptable or funny about political violence, and much less the loss of a person’s life,” she said.

Casahuga added that people with different political beliefs should still treat one another with respect, compassion and dignity.

In the video, she said her faith had reminded her of the importance of humility and forgiveness, and acknowledged that her behavior had not reflected those values.

“I know that an apology can’t undo what I said, and I don’t expect everyone to forgive me after this,” she said. “But I sincerely hope that through my actions, I can learn from this experience and eventually earn a second chance in life.”

Collins subsequently responded to the apology, saying he forgave her and had continued praying for her.

However, the apology did not end the public debate. Some social media users welcomed her acknowledgment of wrongdoing, while others questioned whether the statement was sincere.

Meanwhile, the university’s review remained unresolved in the latest available reports. UTSA had not publicly announced a final disciplinary decision.

The incident has reignited a wider discussion about political expression on college campuses, particularly when comments involve political violence and the dєatᩚh of a public figure.

For now, the student has acknowledged that her remarks caused hurt, apologized to Kirk’s family and Collins, and said she hopes to learn from the experience. Whether the university will take further action remains unclear.

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