Georgetown University Students React to Controversial Flyers

Washington, DC – A student at Georgetown University expressed feelings of fear and disappointment after seeing flyers on campus by opposing political groups that supported the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

“My first emotion was horror,” stated Jordan Van Slingerland, a senior majoring in international politics. “Seeing the language about Charlie Kirk was certainly unsettling. Many of my friends found it distressing, especially considering the tragic incident.” Kirk was killed recently.

One student noted that the flyers only remained for about 30 minutes on Wednesday, yet more had been posted later, featuring Kirk’s image. Footage taken by a Georgetown University police officer showed them removing the flyers the following day.

“It really upset me,” remarked Elizabeth Oliver, a senior and president of the university’s Rights to Rights group. “I’ve encountered a lot of hatred directed at conservatives over the years. It felt incredibly blatant, and it made many of my friends anxious.”

The flyer was attributed to the John Brown Gun Club, identified as a far-left group. It contained the slogan “Hey fascist! Catch!” referencing language found near a shell casing linked to Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University.

Matthew Cosenza, a freshman, shared that he heard about the flyers through posts on X, the social media platform. “I wasn’t shocked to see such material here,” he said. “I’ve seen comparisons made between Trump and Hitler, as well as labeling conservatives as fascists.”

Rowan O’Sullivan, a senior, added, “It’s certainly out of control. Whatever version of the left you want to call it, it feels like a façade for bloody intentions.” Van Slingerland, who also leads the Georgetown College Republicans, mentioned that hostility has escalated since Donald Trump’s election.

McInnis, a sophomore and treasurer of the College Republican Club, reported that left-leaning groups identified students through anonymous campus messaging.

Oliver warned that such anonymous attacks feel deeply threatening. She noted that many students are hesitant to share their beliefs in classroom settings due to fear.

In their response, Georgetown University confirmed that the campus does not tolerate violence or threats. They stated that the flyers had been removed and investigations were ongoing to ensure community safety.

O’Sullivan suggested that the university needs to distinguish itself from other elite institutions by taking a firmer stance against such rhetoric. “It feels like Georgetown is yielding to the left and decaying from within,” he commented.

While emphasizing free speech, O’Sullivan argued that Georgetown, being a private institution, should have denounced violence more assertively. Students like Cash Moore expressed concern that the Trump administration might retaliate against universities for these incidents, feeling disheartened by the idea that violence could be seen as a solution.

Moore mentioned that he felt disappointed when he realized some students viewed violence as productive. Yet, he also worried that any spotlight on such flyers could put a target on universities.

In light of the controversy, Education Secretary Linda McMahon condemned the flyers and urged Georgetown to address the situation seriously, adding that dialogue is essential in university settings.

Moore pointed out that statements made in a recent memorial speech by Trump could heighten fears of student retaliation. Many students feel that the right’s response to political climate is more escalatory than the left.

Max Wolf Mellovick, a sophomore, noted that the incendiary nature of the flyers seemed to be aimed at stirring anger rather than promoting genuine student organization. He stated that the actions of a small group don’t represent the broader student body.

Jonathan Rothschild emphasized that while freedom of speech is important, glorifying political violence should be avoided at all costs. “Anyone with common sense should oppose it,” he concluded.

Georgetown University did not provide immediate comments regarding the matter.