Georgetown students reportedly plan controversial lookalike contest marking conservative activist’s assassination

Students at Georgetown University are reportedly organizing a Charlie Kirk lookalike contest, slated for September 10, 2026, which marks the anniversary of the conservative activist’s assassination. The alleged event has garnered significant attention on Fizz, an anonymous social media platform popular within the Washington, D.C., campus community, sparking immediate backlash from conservative student groups.

The initial announcement for the event quickly accumulated more than 2,200 upvotes on the platform, an notable figure considering Georgetown’s undergraduate population stands at approximately 6,000 students. This widespread engagement highlights a contentious atmosphere surrounding the proposed commemoration.

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Details of the alleged campus event

The proposal for the lookalike contest, communicated through an anonymous post on Fizz, outlined the date and a specific location on campus. “Charlie Kirk lookalike contest. September 10th 2026. Pull up to Copley Lawn to speak the truth while the cost is high,” read the viral post. Copley Lawn, a prominent area situated directly outside the university’s iconic Healy Hall, known for its castle-like architecture, is designated as the gathering point.

Members of Georgetown’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter interpret the accompanying slogan, “pull up to Copley Lawn and speak the truth while the cost is high,” as a clear expression of mockery directed at Kirk and his legacy. Beyond the primary lookalike contest, discussions on the Fizz app have also included proposals for additional activities, further fueling the controversy.

• A separate “Erika Kirk look-alike contest” has been suggested, with one comment proposing a “prom king” scenario for the winners of both events.
• Another post inquired about The Georgetown Chimes, a campus choral group, potentially performing “We Are Charlie Kirk,” a meme song believed to be AI-generated and released shortly after Kirk’s assassination in Utah.
• An image, seemingly AI-generated, featuring Kirk with phrases like “Georgetown University,” “Honoring leadership, inspiring truth,” and “Charlie Kirk lookalike contest” was also shared, labeled “Happy Kirkiversary, September 10th, on Healy Lawn.”

Conservative student group’s condemnation

The Georgetown University chapter of Turning Point USA swiftly condemned the alleged plans, viewing them as disrespectful and a celebration of violence. In response to the posts on Fizz, the group set up a table on campus, displaying American flags, stickers, and signs to express their disapproval of the planned events.

Heidi Sui, President of the TPUSA chapter at Georgetown University, issued a strong statement, emphasizing the group’s stance. “The TPUSA Chapter at Georgetown strongly condemns any events that aim to disrespect Charlie Kirk and the upcoming memorial ceremony at UVU,” Sui stated. She further criticized the perceived insensitivity, asserting that such events do not reflect broader American sentiments regarding Kirk’s legacy. Sui underscored the distinction between political disagreement and celebrating someone’s death, calling the students’ reaction disturbing regardless of political affiliation.

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Andrew Kolvet, a spokesman for Turning Point USA, echoed these sentiments, highlighting a perceived erosion of shared humanity. “A culture that can no longer simply mourn the fallen, or respect them enough to at least keep their mouth shut, is a culture that has lost touch with a basic sense of shared humanity,” Kolvet commented. He expressed shame for those engaging in mockery, suggesting they only serve to demonstrate Kirk’s perceived superiority in character.

University’s official response and policy enforcement

Georgetown University has acknowledged the anonymous social media posts but stated that it has observed no on-campus activity related to the alleged events. A university spokesperson clarified that Georgetown is not organizing any such event, nor is it aware of any student organization planning or hosting one.

The spokesperson emphasized the university’s commitment to its core values and the safety of its community members. “We take these anonymous posts seriously and condemn their language as deeply inconsistent with Georgetown University’s values,” the statement read, adding that the institution is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the well-being of all students and staff. The university aims to foster an environment that promotes thoughtful and respectful dialogue.

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While upholding principles of free expression, the university spokesperson also highlighted boundaries, stating that “making light of a victim of violence is counter to our values and deeply disappointing.” Students are expected to adhere to campus policies, including the Speech and Expression policy and the Code of Student Conduct, which guide behavior and interactions within the university community. This stance underscores the institution’s effort to balance free speech with the imperative of maintaining a respectful and safe learning environment.