UT San Antonio student 'apologizes' after reciting 'Kirkiversary' poem at TPUSA Pick Up the Mic event

Isa Casahuga, as she introduced herself, had read a poem celebrating Kirk’s killing and said Collins was “brave” for being out on campus without protection or “a neck brace.” As she spoke, she announced a “Squirt for Kirk” party in honor of the “Kirkiversary,” or a celebration of the conservative commentator’s death.

Following the video going viral across social media, the University of Texas shared a statement from the UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife and UT System Chancellor John Zerwas. “We have been apprised of the incident at UT San Antonio,” the statement read. “Let us be clear—we will not tolerate the incitement of violence or the threat of incitement of violence by any member of our UT community. UT San Antonio will handle this incident consistent with the law.”

The Dallas Express reported that the university was “reviewing” Casahuga’s comments. University spokesman Joe Izbrand told the outlet that “UT San Antonio is aware of the social media content involving one of our students and takes the matter seriously. The sentiments expressed do not reflect the values of our university.”

“The university is reviewing the circumstances through its established student conduct processes,” Izbrand said, “consistent with applicable state and federal law and university policies. In accordance with federal student privacy protections, including FERPA, we are unable to comment further on the individual student or any specific disciplinary action.”

“My name is Issa Casahuga,” she said, “and after much prayer and reflection, I'd like to come out and sincerely apologize for the comments I made on September 23, 2026, at the University of Texas at San Antonio.”

“First, I'd like to directly apologize to Miss Erika Kirk, her children, and the entire Kirk family,” Casahuga went on, reading her statement. “My words were deeply insensitive, to say the least, particularly considering the unfathomable loss your family has experienced.

“I'd also like to apologize directly to Mr. Christian Collins. Mr. Collins, what I said at your Pick Up the Mic rally was beyond inappropriate and hurtful, and for that, I am so sorry.”

Her comments on the apology video, and her demeanor, were a far cry from her original appearance, where she was gleeful and brash. These new comments clearly come after school officials stepped in to let her know the seriousness of her former behavior.

“Lastly, I would also like to apologize to everyone that I may have hurt my comments that day,” Casahuga continued. “There's nothing acceptable or funny about political violence, and much less the loss of a person's life. Regardless of our political beliefs or opinions, we should all strive to treat one another with the utmost respect, compassion, and above all, dignity.

“I understand why my words cause so much pain, and I take full accountability for them. My faith teaches me the importance of humility, compassion, and above all, forgiveness. And I recognize the fact that my words did not reflect those values on September 23rd, I want to do better going forward, not just as a Christian, as a person, but as an American.

“I know that an apology can't undo what I said, and I don't expect everyone to forgive me after this. But I sincerely hope that through my actions, I can learn from this experience, and eventually earn a second chance in life. Thank you.”

At issue was the Pick Up the Mic event at the university on Sept. 23. Casahuga stepped up to the mic with a half-full pink Starbucks drink and introduced herself by saying, “I go by Pamper Baby. Yeah. Okay. So I took a Plan B, and I’m an immigrant, this — like feeling kind of guilty. So I wanted to read a poem that I actually wrote.”

Collins asked if she had a question, and Casahuga said, “No, I just wanted to share. I felt like, you know, freedom of speech. I wanted to share a poem I wrote for everybody.”

Then she did. It reads: “It was the night before the Kirkiversary, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The flags were hung proudly. The memes all on deck, as we solemnly remembered a shot to the neck. The podcast fell silent. The hot takes grew wary. For tomorrow, dear friends, is the great Kirkiversary.”

Collins asked, “Are you, are you happy with yourself now? I mean, I think that was just…”

“Baby, I’m thrilled,” she said of her derivative verse. “Yeah, well, I mean, you’re brave for being out here. You know, no protection, no nothing, no like neck brace, or…”
“I’ll pray for you,” Collins said.

Many on social media said her apology was insincere.