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Three University of South Alabama students were arrested Friday over alleged social media threats against President Donald Trump before his Mobile rally, facing federal charges.
Three University of South Alabama students were arrested Friday over alleged threats against President Donald Trump ahead of his evening rally on the Mobile campus, a source familiar with the matter told Fox News. The students were each charged with threatening the president over social media posts allegedly made in the days leading up to Trump's visit, according to the Lagniappe Daily. The federal cases were unsealed Friday afternoon, just hours before Trump was scheduled to take the stage at the university's Mitchell Center.
Federal Charges and Investigation Details
Federal investigators discovered the posts while conducting social media intelligence searches ahead of the president's visit. They used emergency disclosure requests and information from University of South Alabama police to identify the individuals, according to FBI affidavits cited by Lagniappe.
One student allegedly wrote a threatening remark toward Trump under a TikTok post about the president's planned visit to the campus, according to an FBI affidavit cited by the outlet. Another student allegedly posted on X that people would remember the University of South Alabama the same way they remember Utah Valley University, according to the outlet's account of the FBI affidavit.
According to court records made public Friday, the alleged threats were made separately on social media and were not linked to each other. They were discovered on Sept. 29 during an intelligence search of social media in anticipation of Trump's visit to Mobile.
All three were taken into custody Friday. They will be held throughout the weekend and will appear in court on Monday for detention hearings.
University Condemns Threats and Encourages Dialogue
The University of South Alabama issued a statement condemning any form of threats directed at elected officials or any individual with whom people disagree. The statement encouraged open dialogue and active civic participation, noting that having a difference of opinion is a natural part of any vibrant community. However, it emphasized that there is a clear line between exercising free expression and engaging in intimidation or unlawful conduct.
FBI agents said in federal charging documents that Woods, a freshman aerospace engineering student, on Sept. 27 posted on TikTok he gotta die bro, with the crying emoji next to it.
The case highlights the intense security scrutiny surrounding presidential visits and the consequences of making threats online. The arrests occurred before the rally even kicked off, underscoring the proactive measures taken by federal and local authorities.
Background on Presidential Rally Security
Presidential rallies typically involve extensive security preparations, including social media monitoring to detect potential threats. The FBI's use of emergency disclosure requests allows investigators to quickly obtain information from social media platforms in cases involving imminent danger.
The University of South Alabama, located in Mobile, Alabama, is a public institution that often hosts major events, including political gatherings. The Mitchell Center, where the rally was held, is a multi-purpose arena on campus.
The incident has sparked discussions about free speech and the limits of online expression. The university's statement reflects a balance between protecting free expression and ensuring safety.
Legal experts note that threatening the president is a federal crime, and such cases are taken seriously by law enforcement. The three students now face potential legal consequences, including possible detention and further court proceedings.
As the investigation continues, the university community and the public await further developments. The detention hearings on Monday will determine whether the students remain in custody pending trial.
This is a developing story, and more information is expected to emerge as the legal process unfolds.
Donald Trump University Of South Alabama Mobile Alabama FBI Threats Arrests Presidential Rally
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