Three University of South Alabama Students Charged in Connection with Threats Against Trump
Federal charges were unsealed Friday, hours before President Donald Trump was scheduled to hold a rally on the Mobile campus.
Three University of South Alabama students were arrested Friday and face federal charges for allegedly making threats against President Donald Trump on social media in the days leading up to his rally at the Mobile campus. The cases were unsealed hours before Trump was set to take the stage at the university's Mitchell Center.
Federal investigators reportedly discovered the posts while conducting social media monitoring ahead of the president's visit. Affidavits cited by Lagniappe Daily indicate that the FBI used emergency disclosure requests and information from the University of South Alabama police to identify the students. One student allegedly posted a threatening remark under a TikTok post about Trump's planned appearance, while another posted on X, referencing Utah Valley University, where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot. A third student allegedly replied to a TikTok post concerning Trump's visit.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch stated that his office had been assisting federal authorities in monitoring social media activity related to the president's appearance. The University of South Alabama had previously issued a statement clarifying that the rally was not a university-sponsored event and that the Mitchell Center had been rented by the Republican National Committee.
In their statement, the University of South Alabama said, "The University of South Alabama unequivocally condemns any form of threats directed at elected officials or any individual with whom we disagree. We encourage open dialogue and active civic participation, and having a difference of opinion is a natural part of any vibrant community. However, there is a clear line between exercising free expression and engaging in intimidation or unlawful conduct."
President Trump took the stage for the rally on Friday evening as scheduled. He recalled his 2015 rally in Mobile during the opening months of his first presidential campaign, stating, "It sort of all began here." He also acknowledged Sheriff Burch and University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner from the stage.