  GRB 211211A was accompanied by a kilonova, implying a merger origin for the
event. A precursor flare, modulated by quasi-periodic oscillations at $\approx
22\, \mbox{Hz}$, was also seen $\approx 1\, \mbox{s}$ prior to the main
emission. It is suggested here that the precursor resulted from the resonant
shattering of one star's crust prior to coalescence. Seismic aftershocks and
low-frequency torsional modes may emanate from the rupture site in this case,
explaining the underlying oscillations. This interpretation is directly
analogous to proposals for giant flares from soft gamma repeaters, where
oscillations at similar frequencies have been observed, involving starquakes
followed by crustal vibrations. Torsional mode properties were computed for
sequences of slowly rotating, magnetised neutron stars in general relativity.
The $\approx 22\, \mbox{Hz}$ modulations in the precursor matches that of
nodeless, $\ell =2$ torsional modes for a wide variety of stellar parameters.
Global or discrete Alfv\'en modes are also viable candidates.
