Welcome to Arrest Stories. A twenty-one-year-old student leader was arrested at the University of Utah after allegedly making threatening gestures and comments toward a conservative political group during a campus debate. Here's what may have happened.
On Monday, Dean Blais Stewart was taken into custody by University of Utah police following an incident in front of the Marriott Library. Stewart, who served as Salt Lake Community College Student Association Vice President of Equality and Representation, allegedly confronted members of ReAwaken USA during their debate on the topic "The Left is More Violent than the Right."
According to police reports, Stewart began cursing at a conservative speaker during the event. Witnesses reported that Stewart made a hand rifle gesture toward the speaker as if he was shooting him. The gesture caused what officials described as "public alarm and fear" among event attendees who were concerned Stewart would act upon his threats.
Stewart allegedly walked past the group saying "You should die" and told members "I'm going to Kirk you," which police say was a reference to the assassination of Charlie Kirk that occurred on September tenth at the Utah Valley University campus. According to the police report, Stewart "motioned as if shooting a rifle toward the neck of College Republicans members."
When officers on campus commanded Stewart to stop making comments, he continued his behavior. Police approached Stewart and asked to see identification, leading to an argument. During the confrontation, Stewart told officers "I don't have a gun on me." Police responded "It doesn't matter. It's the threat. You're threatening."
One witness reported that Stewart said "I'm going to Kirk you," "you should die," and motioned as if shooting a rifle toward their neck.
Stewart was charged on Tuesday with threat of violence and disorderly conduct. His bond was set at one thousand dollars.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.