University of Utah Student Arrested for Threatening Conservative Debaters with Gun Gestures
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A University of Utah student was taken into custody on Monday after a viral video surfaced showing him allegedly making threatening gun gestures and verbally threatening conservative speakers during a public debate on campus. Dean Stewart, 21, was arrested by the University of Utah Police Department and charged with disorderly conduct, making threats, and disobeying a lawful order, according to university officials.
The incident occurred outside the Marriott Library, where Stewart was seen on camera making shooting gestures directed at members of Reawaken USA, a conservative organization known for its campus tour program that promotes political debates similar to those of the late Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA. The video quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting swift law enforcement action.
Reawaken USA speakers were participating in a scheduled debate event, which has become a common forum for political discourse on university campuses nationwide. The university’s police department responded promptly after reviewing the footage, which appeared to capture Stewart threatening to “shoot in the neck” one of the conservative debaters.
University officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all students and speakers, underscoring that threats of violence will not be tolerated. The charges against Stewart reflect the seriousness with which the university and local law enforcement treat threats made on campus.
This arrest highlights ongoing tensions surrounding political expression at universities, where debates between conservative and liberal groups sometimes escalate. The university’s handling of the incident aligns with broader policies on campus safety and free speech, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education and its Office for Civil Rights.
Experts note that while free speech is protected, threatening violence crosses legal boundaries and can result in criminal charges. The university’s swift response is consistent with guidelines from the U.S. Department of Justice on addressing threats and maintaining public safety in educational settings.
Stewart’s arrest also raises questions about the role of campus security in monitoring and responding to politically charged events. The University of Utah Police Department has a dedicated unit for campus safety and works closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure rapid response to incidents.
Reawaken USA, which organizes speaking events at universities across the country, has faced protests and opposition at various campuses, but incidents involving explicit threats of violence remain rare. The organization’s approach to campus debates is designed to engage students in political dialogue, often mirroring the format popularized by groups like Turning Point USA.
As the investigation continues, university officials have reiterated their commitment to upholding both safety and free expression. Students and faculty are encouraged to report any threatening behavior immediately to campus authorities.
For more information on campus safety policies and federal guidelines on handling threats in educational institutions, resources are available through the Campus Safety and Security portal maintained by the Department of Education.
The case against Dean Stewart is pending further legal proceedings, and the university is cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.
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