Death Threats Follow YAF Event at University of Alabama
Recently, students from the University of Alabama’s Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) chapter received death threats after organizing a “Deport All Illegals: Change My Mind” event. This initiative was influenced by Peter Schweitzer’s bestselling book, The Invisible Coup: How American Elites and Foreign Powers Use Immigration as a Weapon.
Trenton Buffenbarger, the president of the YAF chapter at the university, mentioned that while many students were open to engaging in dialogue about immigration, the event still faced significant disruptions. In one instance, a female student got detained for approaching their table and causing a scene.
During the event, another disruption occurred when a man, known to stir chaos on campus, recorded an exchange at the “Change My Mind” table. Buffenbarger shared, “He routinely posts videos that mock us and provoke arguments.” This specific video gained traction online, leading to an increase in viewership and a wave of death threats directed at members of his chapter via social media.
There were instances where a YAF member’s comment about a black student led to tensions, with the student being asked to wish a ‘Happy Black History Month.’ Following this incident, a flurry of threats emerged online, many targeting Turning Point USA’s founder, Charlie Kirk.
As per the threats posted, some messages were explicit in their intentions. One user hinted at serious harm by referencing Kirk’s previous experiences, implying they hoped for a similar outcome. “If I see you on campus, it’ll be hot stuff for you, just like they did to him,” one threat claimed.
In light of these events, Buffenbarger stated he has been in touch with the FBI about the threats, while the campus police are also investigating. He relayed an alarming incident where an unidentified man approached the campus, aggressively inquiring about YAF members by name, prompting police involvement.
Despite these challenges, the YAF chapter remains undeterred, planning to continue with future events. Buffenbarger affirmed, “We have more events lined up. No threats will silence us.” He’s also taken steps to coordinate with campus police to ensure safety at upcoming gatherings.
Schweitzer, who is also linked to YAF, has notably influenced chapters nationwide, encouraging discussions on his findings regarding immigration. Other YAF chapters, such as those at the University of Georgia and UCLA, are also launching similar events to delve into topics from The Invisible Coup.
Concerning the overarching immigration issue, David Brandt, the YAF chairman at the University of Central Florida, remarked on how immigration has been weaponized against the U.S. He explained how the book illustrates tactics employed by hostile nations like China, affecting American society.
Matin Samiat, president of the UCI YAF chapter, echoed these sentiments, pointing out how illegal immigration influences elections and could jeopardize the American way of life. He emphasized the need to expose how such actions serve the political agendas of the left.
Overall, the YAF events serve as a platform for students who believe immigration should be approached from a legal standpoint, especially those who have immigrated lawfully themselves.
