Minnesota Student Withdraws From College After Viral 'Go Back to Your Country' Video
The University of St. Thomas student issued an apology for her actions during an altercation with a protester outside a conservative event.
A Minnesota nursing student has withdrawn from her Catholic college and issued an apology after being filmed shouting "go back to your own country" at a Russian protester. The incident occurred last week outside a Turning Point USA event at the University of Minnesota.
The student, who has not been publicly identified, stated, "I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during the situation with the protesters." She added, "What I said and did was wrong, and I understand that my actions caused hurt and disappointment. Regardless of the circumstances, I should have handled the situation with respect, and I take full responsibility for my behavior. I am truly sorry."
The video captured the student telling the protester, identified as Derek Torstenson, "go back to your own country, b****!" as she entered the event, which featured conservative activist Riley Gaines. Two male students accompanying her appeared to smile and laugh at her remark before she noticed another protester recording the exchange and asked, "Why are you recording me?"
Torstenson, who was adopted from Moscow at age two and has a noticeable accent, reportedly yelled back, "Look at these fat, white trash weirdos who hate America." He is known for engaging in confrontational protests in the Twin Cities and has been observed waving a fan bearing an expletive.
The video of the student's outburst went viral online, drawing widespread criticism and accusations of racism and hateful language. The student acknowledged in her statement that her "actions have consequences" and that she has "a lot to learn from this experience."