Liberal Arts Student Sparks Controversy Over Assassination Comments

A student from a liberal arts college recently found herself at the center of a media storm after posting a video that seemed to call for a revival of political assassinations aimed at communist leaders. Julia Xu’s statements come in the wake of remarks made in class following the death of a prominent right-wing figure, Charlie Kirk.

In her now-removed video, Xu expressed the belief that not everyone has a right to free speech, suggesting that some individuals should fear openly sharing their views. She cited her classroom discussions after Kirk’s death, claiming that those who are typically sympathetic to figures like him tend to be white males.

“We need to reclaim political assassinations,” she asserted, unapologetically stating that she felt no regret for her stance. Xu referenced her studies on China’s communist rise, mentioning Mao Zedong’s view that freedoms, including speech, should not apply to “revolutionary enemies” like capitalists and imperialists.

Xu noted that the most disconcerting aspect of the discussions in her class was the overwhelming focus on Kirk and the lament over his passing, a sentiment she felt was shared predominantly by male peers. She remarked, “It just shows that white people always empathize with people who look like them.”

Despite the video’s quick removal, various versions continued to circulate on social media, sparking widespread outrage. Xu, who advocates for Palestinian rights and is involved with groups that promote queer and women’s studies, later attempted to clarify her earlier statements. She insisted that she wasn’t endorsing political violence and acknowledged the misinterpretation of her comments. “I should not have hinted at something so serious,” she said in a follow-up statement to the press.

The president of Oberlin College, Carmen Twillie Ambar, also weighed in, asserting that the views expressed by Xu did not reflect those held by the faculty or the institution. In an open letter, she emphasized that political violence has no place in America, stating, “It threatens our safety and well-being.” She reiterated that Xu’s comments do not mirror the college’s beliefs.