**Utah College Student Threatens College Following Charlie Kirk Shooting, Leading to Arrest** This title succinctly conveys the key elements of the article: the arrest of a suspect linked to a threat at a Utah college following the incident involving Cha

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Threats Against Utah Valley University Prompt Arrest, Following Campus Shooting

september 17, 2025

A Man from Pennsylvania is in custody following allegations of making terroristic threats against Utah Valley University (Uvu). This advancement comes less than a week after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on the Uvu campus, and just as students were returning to classes.

Summit County authorities apprehended Blake Francis Rogers, 20, on Tuesday after the FBI alerted them to a 70-second video posted online the previous night. The video contained explicit threats of violence directed at the university, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Details of the Alleged Threat

Sergeant Skyler Talbot, Public Details Officer for the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, stated that the video included “clear and specific threats of violence” explicitly mentioning Utah Valley University. Rogers, who is currently a student in Pennsylvania but was visiting family in Park City, Utah, allegedly stated in the video that he was embarking on a “lifelong duty” to “kill woke” at Uvu, referencing the recent death of Charlie Kirk.

The affidavit details Rogers’s statements within the video, including a request for a gold statue to be erected in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in his honor. He reportedly claimed the video would explain his actions and portray him as a “hero.”

Investigation and Arrest

Detectives interviewed Rogers at the residence where he was staying and he admitted to creating and posting the video as a “joke” on an unlisted youtube channel, sharing it with approximately 12 to 15 individuals. He indicated that his use of the term “woke” was a general concept and claimed no affiliation with any specific political party, although he did admit to leaning left.

Law enforcement agencies were placed on alert, fearing a possible attack on the Uvu campus. Investigators determined there was probable cause to charge Rogers with making a threat of terrorism, as his actions led to the mobilization of emergency response teams and posed a notable risk to public safety. A magistrate judge set bail at $1,000, noting Rogers has no prior history of violent offenses.

Current Status and Reassurance

Authorities believe this to be an isolated incident, with no evidence suggesting involvement from other individuals. They also stated that they do not believe Rogers took any ample actions to carry out the threats. Formal charges are still pending, and the Summit County Attorney’s Office has declined to provide further comment at this time.

Here’s a speedy look at the key facts of this unfolding situation:

Subject	Detail
Suspect	Blake Francis Rogers, 20
location of Arrest	Summit County, Utah
Alleged Threat	Terroristic threats against Utah Valley University
Bail Amount	$1,000

Did You Know? Threats of terrorism, even if intended as “jokes,” are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement agencies and carry significant legal consequences.

Pro Tip: If you encounter online content that seems threatening, report it instantly to the appropriate authorities and the platform where it was posted.

Understanding Threats of Terrorism

The legal definition of a “threat of terrorism” varies by jurisdiction, but generally involves a credible threat of violence intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence government policy, or affect the conduct of government. Even seemingly humorous or hyperbolic statements can be considered threats if they create a reasonable fear of violence.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of reported threats made online, often through social media platforms. law enforcement agencies are continually working to adapt to these evolving challenges and to develop strategies for identifying and mitigating potential risks. The FBI provides resources on domestic terrorism and how to report potential threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What constitutes a threat of terrorism? A credible communication expressing an intent to commit violence to intimidate or coerce.
• Is it illegal to make a joke about terrorism? It depends. If the “joke” is perceived as a genuine threat, it can be illegal.
• What are the penalties for making a terrorist threat? Penalties vary by jurisdiction but can include significant fines and imprisonment.
• How can I report a potential threat? contact your local law enforcement agency or the FBI.
• what is UVU doing to ensure campus safety? The university is cooperating fully with law enforcement and providing support to students and staff.
• Are there mental health resources available for students impacted by this incident? Yes, UVU offers counseling and support services to students.
• How does this case relate to broader concerns about online extremism? It highlights the potential for online rhetoric to incite real-world violence and the challenges of monitoring and responding to such threats.

What are your thoughts on the increasing number of online threats? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What proactive measures can higher education institutions implement to enhance threat assessment and prevention strategies in teh wake of politically charged incidents?

Utah College Student Threatens College Following Charlie Kirk Shooting, leading to Arrest

The Incident & initial Threat

following a shooting incident involving conservative speaker charlie kirk at the University of Utah on September 16, 2025, a student at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, was arrested on September 17, 2025, for allegedly making threats against the institution. The threats, posted online, specifically referenced escalating violence and targeted Snow College facilities.Law enforcement officials quickly identified the suspect, a 21-year-old male, through digital forensics and social media monitoring.The inquiry was a joint effort between Snow College Campus Security, the Sanpete county Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office.

Key Details:

* Date of Arrest: September 17, 2025

* Location: Snow College, Ephraim, Utah

* Suspect Age: 21 years old

* Charges Pending: Terroristic threats, potentially aggravated assault (depending on the specifics of the threat).

* Connection to Charlie Kirk Incident: The threats were made in the immediate aftermath of the shooting involving Charlie Kirk at the University of Utah.

Details of the Threat & Investigation

the online threats, discovered by Snow College security personnel, were deemed credible enough to warrant immediate action. The suspect reportedly expressed intentions to “finish what was started” at the University of Utah, suggesting a desire to continue the violence. Investigators persistent the suspect had no direct connection to the University of Utah shooting or Charlie Kirk, but the incident appeared to have served as a catalyst for his threatening behavior.

The Sanpete County sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence, recovering electronic devices and other evidence related to the threats. Authorities have not released the exact wording of the threats to avoid further inciting fear or copycat behavior. The FBI’s involvement highlights the seriousness with which federal agencies are treating threats against educational institutions, particularly in the wake of high-profile incidents.

Snow College Response & Campus Safety

Snow College immediately implemented heightened security measures following the discovery of the threats. These measures included:

1. Increased Security presence: Additional campus security personnel and local law enforcement officers were deployed throughout the campus.
2. Enhanced surveillance: Security camera monitoring was increased, and additional cameras were strategically placed.
3. Dialog with students & Faculty: The college issued a campus-wide alert via email, text message, and social media, informing students and faculty about the situation and providing safety guidelines.
4. Counseling Services: Counseling services were made available to students and staff who were experiencing anxiety or fear as a result of the threats.
5. Classroom Safety Protocols: Faculty were reminded of and reinforced existing emergency protocols, including lockdown procedures.

The college president released a statement emphasizing the institution’s commitment to providing a safe learning surroundings and thanking law enforcement for their swift response. The college is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

Legal Ramifications & Potential Penalties

The suspect is currently being held at the Sanpete County Jail awaiting arraignment. He faces potential charges related to making terroristic threats, which carry significant penalties under Utah state law. Depending on the specific language and perceived intent of the threats, he could also face charges of aggravated assault or inciting violence.

Utah State Law on Terroristic Threats (as of 2025):

* A person is guilty of a felony if they threaten to commit a violent act with the intent to terrorize another person or to disrupt public services.

* Penalties can include imprisonment for up to five years and substantial fines.

Legal experts suggest that the suspect’s online activity and any evidence of planning or planning for violence will be key factors in determining the severity of the charges and potential sentence. The case will likely involve a thorough examination of the suspect’s mental state and any potential mitigating circumstances.

Broader Context: threats to Higher Education

This incident is part of a concerning trend of increasing threats against colleges