Oxford Union's president-elect is set to face "disciplinary proceedings" after he appeared to celebrate Charlie Kirk's murder.

The debating society announced in a statement on Saturday that complaints made against George Abaraonye over his online comments would be treated with "the utmost seriousness" under disciplinary proceedings.

The Oxford Union does not have the power to summarily dismiss a president-elect; however, office-holders found to have committed serious misconduct can face penalties, including immediate dismissal.

A vote of no confidence has also been launched against the 20-year-old Politics, Philosophy and Economics student, which is triggered when 150 life members of the debating society sign their support towards the ballot.

Around 200 members, who have paid to retain their membership, have reportedly signed for no-confidence proceedings in Mr Abaraonye’s leadership.

Mr Abaraonye appeared to send a celebratory message to a WhatsApp group chat after the news emerged that the Conservative activist had been shot during an event at Utah Valley University.

The leaked messages, which have been widely shared on social media, appeared to show Mr Abaraonye writing: "Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f****** go."

A separate message, believed to be from his Instagram account, read: "Charlie Kirk got shot loool" - an elongated version of the "laugh out loud" acronym.

George Abaraonye is set to face 'disciplinary proceedings' after he appeared to celebrate Charlie Kirk's murder

After the leaked messages sparked furious backlash across social media, Mr Abaraonye set his account to private, preventing anyone from accessing his posts.

In a statement posted on social media on Saturday, the Oxford Union said it "has always been one of the world’s foremost defenders of free speech".

It added: "We will continue to defend freedom of expression in all its forms. But free speech cannot and will not come at the expense of violence, intimidation, or hate."

The society said that complaints filed against the president-elect over his online remarks "have been forwarded for disciplinary proceedings and will be addressed with the utmost seriousness".

Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday during a speech at Utah Valley University

It said: "Our duty is to demonstrate, to our members, the university community, alumni, and the wider public, that disagreement must be expressed through debate and dialogue, not through abuse or threats."

The Oxford Union has said the soon-to-be president's reported views "do not represent current leadership or committee's view".

A statement read: "The Oxford Union would like to unequivocally condemn the reported words and sentiments expressed by the President-Elect, George Abaraonye, with regard to the passing of Charlie Kirk.

"His reported views do not represent the Oxford Union's current leadership or committee's view."

A shot was heard during a conversation with a student

Mr Abaraonye had engaged in a debate with Mr Kirk at the Oxford Union in May, just one month before he was elected president of the prestigious society.

The debate centred around the issue of "toxic masculinity", which saw the pair butt heads over its consequences on young men and women.

Mr Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday during a speech at Utah Valley University as part of his "American Comeback" tour.

Famous for debating college and University students, he took questions from a crowd of about 3,000 in the university's outdoor courtyard.

Charlie Kirk was a key ally of Donald Trump | GETTY

During a conversation with a student, a shot was heard and Mr Kirk slumped in his chair, before being rushed to hospital, where he was declared dead.

Tributes from across the UK and the US have continued to flood in, including from President Donald Trump, who described the 31-year-old as "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk".

Announcing his death, the US President added: "No-one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me."

President Trump then ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast across the country until 6pm today.

GB News has reached out to the Oxford Union for further comments.