Three University of South Alabama students were taken into federal custody Friday after authorities said they posted separate threats against President Donald Trump ahead of his appearance at a campus rally in Mobile.
Amare Jemal Woods, Cameron Lamark Lewis and Kayla Leaann Smith were arrested over online posts authorities say targeted Trump before his event at the Mitchell Center. Federal court filings indicate the students acted independently rather than as part of a coordinated plot. Detention hearings are scheduled for Monday, according to a scary report.
According to an FBI affidavit, Woods, a freshman studying aerospace engineering, commented “he gotta die bro” under a TikTok video about Trump’s visit.
Smith, an elementary education major, allegedly responded to a separate TikTok about the event by writing, “We only got one chance let’s take it,” and posting an image of a person appearing to gesture as though holding a gun.
Lewis, whom the outlet that first reported the arrests identified as a resident assistant and vice president of the university’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, is accused of making two posts on X. One suggested South Alabama would be remembered the way Utah Valley University is remembered following the 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Investigators said a second post called for a killing.
The arrests followed a series of other hostile comments posted online before Trump’s appearance.
Screenshots from a group chat titled “USA PROTEST” showed a participant identified as Roman Fulford writing, “HELP ME RISE UP TO BLOW UP TRUMP,” before adding that he knew little about politics beyond disliking Trump. When another participant asked how organizers would know whether newcomers actually shared their views, Fulford replied, “if they suddenly arent then we whack em.”
Other public comments reviewed by the outlet included “Shoot him yall shoot him plsss” beneath a video about Trump’s visit and “Kirk him” under a post about the university’s homecoming lineup.
Authorities have not publicly connected those additional comments to the charges against Woods, Lewis or Smith.
Campus groups including the university’s Young Democratic Socialists of America and Jags Against Fascism had called for demonstrations against Trump’s visit. Protesters gathered Friday afternoon and marched toward the Mitchell Center before Trump spoke at the arena that evening as scheduled.
The university condemned threats against elected officials and others following the arrests.
“We encourage open dialogue and active civic participation, and having a difference of opinion is a natural part of any vibrant community,” the university said. “However, there is a clear line between exercising free expression and engaging in intimidation or unlawful conduct.”
All three students remained in federal custody following court appearances Friday.
