Three College Students Face Federal Charges Over Alleged Threats Against Former President Trump Ahead of Campus Rally

Federal charges have been unsealed against three college students accused of making threats against former President Donald Trump through social media posts. The allegations emerged just hours before Trump was scheduled to appear at a rally at the University of South Alabama's Mitchell Center on Friday afternoon.

Federal Investigation Uncovers Threats

According to court documents, federal investigators identified the posts during social media intelligence gathering conducted in anticipation of the former president's visit. Emergency disclosure requests and information provided by University of South Alabama police were utilized to pinpoint the individuals involved, as detailed in FBI affidavits.

One student is alleged to have posted a threatening comment aimed at Trump beneath a TikTok video discussing the planned campus visit. Another student reportedly published a post on X, stating that people would "remember the University of South Alabama the same way they remember Utah Valley University." Investigators noted that conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University last year, implying a violent comparison. A third student is accused of replying to a TikTok post about Trump's appearance, though the specific nature of the reply constituting a threat was not detailed in the available reports.

University and Law Enforcement Response

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch had previously confirmed that his office was assisting federal agencies in monitoring social media activity related to the upcoming event. The University of South Alabama clarified before the rally that the event was not sponsored by the university itself, and the Mitchell Center had been rented by the Republican National Committee (RNC).

However, there is a clear line between exercising free expression and engaging in intimidation or unlawful conduct.

Rally Proceeds as Scheduled

Despite the unsealed charges, former President Trump proceeded with his midterm campaign rally as planned on Friday evening. Addressing the crowd, Trump reminisced about his 2015 rally in Mobile during the early stages of his first presidential campaign, remarking, "It sort of all began here." He also publicly acknowledged Sheriff Burch and University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner from the stage.