Texas Tech University police blocking the entrance to the Engineering Key on campus as crews work to restore power the morning after an explosion and multiple fires caused a power outage on campus on March 13, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas.

Campus police arrested a student at Texas Tech University in connection to an altercation with students who were mourning the death of Charlie Kirk, officials confirmed.

The 18-year-old student was arrested by Texas Tech Police on a misdemeanor simple assault charge Friday, Sept. 12, Lubbock County Sheriff's Office Cpl. Tracie Manthei told USA TODAY.

The student was booked into the Lubbock County jail about 4:50 p.m. local time the day of the incident and released on bond the next day at 2:11 p.m., Manthei said.

The arrest comes as many public figures, academics and everyday business owners faced firings, suspensions and other job-related actions over comments they allegedly made surrounding Kirk's death.

According to a campus police report obtained by USA TODAY, the arrest took place on the west side of the Student Union Building.

Video footage circulating on social media and via media outlets, including the New York Post, purportedly shows the woman chanting at people attending a vigil for Kirk.

"(Expletive), y’all homie dead, he got shot in the head," the woman is heard saying in the video.

The woman is no longer enrolled at the university, outlets KCBD-TV and KTSM-TV reported, citing a statement from the university.

As of Monday, Sept. 15, Manthei said the woman remained free on bond. Her court date was not immediately known.

USA TODAY is not naming the woman because she is facing a misdemeanor charge.

Texas governor praises university action

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott posted a photo of the student being handcuffed on X and praised the university for its action.

Texas Tech Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell responded to the governor's post writing, "We, @TexasTech, are proud of our values and are not afraid to stand up for them."

The school on its X account released the following statement:

"Any behavior that denigrates victims of violence is reprehensible, has no place on our campus, and is not aligned with our values. Federal law prevents Texas Tech University from commenting on individual student conduct matters. We take all reported violations seriously and address them under university policy and the law."

USA TODAY has reached out to university officials.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas Tech student arrested after viral incident involving Charlie Kirk mourners

Reporting by Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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