University of South Alabama Students Arrested for Alleged Threats Against President Trump

Three students from the University of South Alabama were apprehended on Friday over reported threats directed at President Donald Trump prior to his rally on the Mobile campus. The students faced charges for allegedly making these threats in social media posts in the days leading up to Trump’s visit, as reported by Lagniappe Daily.

The federal cases were revealed on Friday afternoon, shortly before Trump was set to appear at the university’s Mitchell Center. Federal investigators found the posts through social media intelligence searches as part of preparations for the president’s visit, using emergency disclosure requests and information from University of South Alabama police to identify the students, according to FBI affidavits referenced by Lagniappe.

One student reportedly posted a threatening comment about Trump under a TikTok post regarding the president’s planned visit. Another student allegedly stated on X that the University of South Alabama would be remembered like Utah Valley University, where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed last year.

A third student allegedly made a threatening response to a TikTok post concerning Trump’s appearance. Federal and local authorities, including Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch, monitored social media for threats related to the president’s event.

The University of South Alabama clarified that the rally was not university-sponsored, as the Mitchell Center had been rented by the Republican National Committee. In a statement, the university condemned threats against elected officials, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and participation in civic life, while differentiating between free expression and unlawful conduct.

Despite the threats, Trump proceeded with the rally as planned on Friday evening, marking a return to Mobile roughly 11 years after a previous rally in 2015. During his speech, Trump reminisced about his earlier visit to Mobile and acknowledged Sheriff Burch and University President Jo Bonner.

Fox News Digital requested additional information from the Department of Justice, FBI, Secret Service, and the University of South Alabama. Jasmine Baehr, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, covers politics, military issues, legal debates, and cultural topics.