Three students from the University of South Alabama were arrested for allegedly making threats against President Donald Trump, according to a source speaking to Fox News. These threats were reportedly made on social media ahead of Trump’s rally on the university’s Mobile campus.
According to the Lagniappe Daily, the students faced charges related to threatening the president via social media posts made before Trump’s visit. The federal cases were unsealed on Friday, hours prior to Trump taking the stage at the university’s Mitchell Center.
President Donald Trump takes the stage at a campaign rally in the Mitchell Center at the University of South Alabama, Mobile, Ala.
Federal investigators identified the threats during social media intelligence searches before Trump’s visit. They utilized emergency disclosure requests and gathered information from the university’s police to pinpoint the individuals, as detailed in FBI affidavits referenced by Lagniappe.
One student’s threatening commentary reportedly surfaced under a TikTok post regarding Trump’s visit, as cited in an FBI affidavit. Another student allegedly posted on X, suggesting the University of South Alabama might be remembered in a similar manner to Utah Valley University, known for the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last year.
Utah Valley University was the site of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, prompting legal action from his family.
A third student allegedly responded to a TikTok post about Trump’s appearance.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch revealed earlier that his office was cooperating with federal agencies to monitor social media surrounding the event. The University of South Alabama emphasized that the rally was not sponsored by them, as the Mitchell Center was rented by the Republican National Committee.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the university condemned threats against elected officials or individuals. It underscored the importance of free expression without intimidation or unlawful acts.
President Donald Trump at the Mitchell Center rally.
Trump proceeded with the rally, recalling previous visits to Mobile, including one in 2015, during the start of his initial presidential campaign. Trump acknowledged the presence of Sheriff Burch and University President Jo Bonner during his speech.
Fox News Digital contacted multiple agencies, including the Department of Justice, FBI, Secret Service, and the university, for further details.