Three students from the University of South Alabama were arrested on Friday for allegedly making threats against President Donald Trump in social media posts prior to his rally on the campus. The students face federal charges, which were unsealed just hours before Trump was scheduled to speak at the university’s Mitchell Center, as reported by the Lagniappe Daily.
Federal investigators identified the posts during social media intelligence searches related to the president's visit, utilizing emergency disclosure requests and information from the University of South Alabama police, according to FBI affidavits cited by the outlet. One student reportedly made a threatening comment on TikTok regarding Trump's planned visit, while another student allegedly stated on X that people would “remember the University of South Alabama the same way they remember Utah Valley University,” referencing a past incident involving conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A third student is said to have responded to a TikTok post about Trump’s appearance.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch indicated earlier in the week that his office was collaborating with federal authorities to monitor social media activity linked to the president's upcoming event. The University of South Alabama clarified that the rally was not sponsored by the university, noting that the Mitchell Center had been rented by the Republican National Committee (RNC).
In a statement, the university condemned any threats directed at elected officials or individuals with differing opinions, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and civic participation while distinguishing between free expression and unlawful conduct.
Trump proceeded with the rally as planned on Friday evening, marking his return to Mobile approximately 11 years after his 2015 rally in the city during the early stages of his first presidential campaign. During the event, he acknowledged Sheriff Burch and University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner.
Fox News Digital has contacted the Department of Justice, FBI, Secret Service, and the University of South Alabama for further information.