Student Arrested for Threatening Conservative Speaker at University of Utah

A student from the University of Utah, identified as Dean Stewart, was taken into custody on Monday after a video surfaced, appearing to show him threatening a conservative speaker during an event outside the Marriott Library. The video, which went viral, portrayed Stewart mimicking a gun gesture and making threats.

Stewart, 21, has been charged with disorderly conduct, making threats, and violating a lawful order, according to the University of Utah Police Department.

The incident involved a speaker affiliated with Reawaken USA, an organization that conducts campus tours similar to the now-defunct Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA). These tours usually focus on political discourse at various universities.

In the video, a 19-year-old Reawaken USA speaker, Aden Nicholas, can be heard reacting with surprise, saying, “Oh my god, did you see that?”

James Owen, the founder and president of Reawaken USA, recounted that he and Nicholas were discussing matters with students when Stewart approached. Owen claimed Stewart began verbally attacking them, calling them “Nazi pigs” and suggesting they should be shot. He described how Stewart escalated his threats, even miming a shooting action before officers intervened and arrested him.

University officials noted in a statement that Stewart significantly disrupted the event, explicitly telling a speaker he “should be shot in the neck” while making repeated shooting gestures.

Nicholas remarked on the bizarre nature of the confrontation, stating, “He said things like, ‘I want to be shot in the neck,’ and ‘I want to be Kirk.'” This comment refers to Charlie Kirk, the TPUSA founder, who was killed in September 2025.

Owen stated that law enforcement’s rapid response helped to quell the situation and indicated they were willing to press charges against Stewart.

Despite the chaos during Monday’s event, Reawaken USA continued its tour the following day. Owen noted that many students, even those initially opposed to their views, showed interest in engaging with them afterward.

Owen expressed a desire to bridge political divides and promote open dialogue rather than further polarizing opinions.

Following the assassination of Kirk, Owen launched Reawaken USA with a mission to cultivate future cultural leaders. He emphasized that in the wake of Kirk’s death, he felt a significant gap needed to be filled within the community.

With 32 planned stops across various states, including California and New York, the organization continues to attract attention and discussion on pressing political issues.