Riley Beesley, vice chairman of the Utah Federation of College Republicans and a student at the University of Utah, says a fellow student verbally threatened him and mimed shooting during a Jan. 12 tabling event tied to conservative group Reawaken USA. The incident, Beesley says, culminated in the arrest of a 21-year-old student identified as Dean Stewart.
Incident Details
Beesley told Fox News Digital that the tabling resembled debate-style events run by groups such as Turning Point USA. According to Beesley, Stewart began heckling those at the table, shouting insults including "Nazis," "fascists" and "pigs." Beesley says Stewart then invoked the name of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and said, "you should die" and "I am going to Kirk you," language Beesley interpreted as a threat to shoot or kill.
The University of Utah campus seen from the top of the stadium prior to a game between the Utah Utes and TCU Horned Frogs at Rice Eccles Stadium on Oct. 19, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"As he walked off, he positioned himself directly in front of several campus police officers, gesturing with his arms as if aiming a rifle while shouting, 'you should die' and calling us 'Nazi pigs,'" Beesley said. "The police watched the incident unfold and moved in to apprehend him."
Arrest And Charges
Campus police arrested Dean Stewart shortly after the gestures. Jail records and a University of Utah statement confirm the arrest; Stewart faces charges including disorderly conduct, making threats and disobeying a lawful order. The university statement said Stewart "disrupted an event and yelled at a member of Reawaken USA" and reported that he "said that he should be shot in the neck and repeatedly made hand gestures of shooting him with a rifle." Stewart could not be reached for comment.
Context And Concerns
Beesley linked the episode to broader concerns about political violence on campuses, noting he was at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025, when authorities say suspect Tyler Robinson allegedly shot and killed Charlie Kirk. He described the combination of threats and recent high-profile violence as particularly alarming for conservative students on campus.
Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah, prior to his assassination.
Beesley said: "Having been present at Utah Valley University on September 10th, 2025, and standing with Charlie Kirk mere moments before his alleged killing, this behavior felt chilling. It raises real questions about safety for students who hold conservative viewpoints."
University Response
The University of Utah directed reporters to its anti-bias policy and emphasized efforts to "care for one another and create an inclusive community where all feel a sense of safety, belonging and purpose." The school said it welcomes robust discussion across the spectrum of ideas while seeking to protect community members from threats and harassment.
This account is based on statements from beesley and university records; some allegations referenced in reporting remain subject to investigation and legal process.
