Three students from the University of South Alabama have been arrested following allegations of making threats against former President Donald Trump ahead of his rally on campus scheduled for 2 October. The individuals in question, identified as Amare Jemal Woods, Cameron Lamark Lewis, and Kayla Leaann Smith, face charges related to threatening the current political figure on social media.
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Law enforcement authorities revealed that the purported threats were made separately via platforms such as X and TikTok, in the days leading up to Trump’s visit. They confirmed that the incidents were not interconnected, despite the gravity of the messages. The arrests occurred on Friday, with the students detained for the weekend, according to local reports from AL.com and WALA FOX10 News.
Cameron Lewis is alleged to have posted two threatening remarks on X, one of which referenced the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator, stating, “N—– gon remember the University of South Alabama the same way they remember Utah Valley University.” This was reportedly in response to the tragic events surrounding Kirk’s death, which is said to have occurred during a speaking engagement in 2025.
In addition, Lewis is accused of referencing the violent death of a Chicago rapper known as BloodHound Q50, while posting concerning messages about Trump’s impending rally. Meanwhile, Kayla Smith is alleged to have posted an image that appeared to show someone mimicking the act of holding a firearm. This was accompanied by the phrase, “We only got one chance let’s take it,” as a comment on TikTok regarding the event.
Furthermore, 18-year-old Woods, a freshman at the university, allegedly wrote on TikTok, “he gotta die bro,” in reaction to a post about Trump’s visit, drawing significant scrutiny from authorities. This comment has raised serious concerns about the students’ intentions and the potential implications of their statements, particularly given the charged political climate.
Woods’ attorney, Jason Darley, has publicly stated that his client’s remarks may have stemmed from the harsh environment of social media rather than genuine intent to cause harm. He characterised Woods as “a very young, very small kid” who may have become caught up in the negativity present on online platforms. Darley expressed that he understood the judge’s decision to keep the students detained while Trump was in the area, although he maintains that none of the three are genuine threats.
“It may have been a comment made in jest, albeit in poor taste, that has been misconstrued by the federal government,” Darley commented. He emphasised the need to address the situation delicately, noting the detrimental impact on Woods’ academic career due to the incident. The attorney expressed hope for Woods’ release following court proceedings on Monday, while acknowledging that the case is still developing.
As of now, it is unclear if Lewis and Smith have acquired legal representation following their arrests. The University of South Alabama, in a statement regarding the threats, condemned such actions unequivocally. The institution noted, “We encourage open dialogue and active civic participation, and having a difference of opinion is a natural part of any vibrant community. However, there is a clear line between exercising free expression and engaging in intimidation or unlawful conduct.”
The court hearings for the three students are scheduled for 5 October, where a determination will be made regarding their detention. As local and national media continue to follow developments in this case, the community at the University of South Alabama grapples with the implications of the students’ actions and the national conversation surrounding threats directed at political figures.
The White House has yet to publicly comment on the situation, leaving many observers to consider the broader implications of social media discourse in contemporary political discussions. As the events surrounding the rally unfold, the scrutiny over the students’ statements adds an additional layer of complexity to dialogues about free speech and the potential consequences of online interactions in the digital age.