A student at the University of North Texas (UNT) reports receiving multiple threats after she publicized an incident where classmates allegedly celebrated the assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has called on the university to expel the students responsible for the threats, and the matter has reportedly been referred to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Key Takeaways
- UNT student Mary-Catherine Hallmark says she was threatened after objecting to classmates celebrating Charlie Kirk's assassination in class.
- Her video detailing the incident gained over 13 million views, leading to online threats on the app Yik Yak.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has demanded that UNT take action and expel the students involved in making threats.
- Hallmark alleges that university officials and campus police have not taken her safety concerns seriously.
Classroom Incident Sparks Controversy
The situation began on September 10 when Mary-Catherine Hallmark, a junior at UNT, was in her psychology class. She stated that before the class officially started, she overheard students discussing and watching a video of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA.
According to Hallmark, some students were making celebratory comments. She recounted hearing statements like, "I hope this happened," and expressing hope that other political figures would be targeted next. Hallmark said she felt compelled to speak up.
"Why are we cheering for someone getting shot?" Hallmark recalled asking her classmates. "No matter what political beliefs are, we should not be cheering that someone got shot. He has a family."
Hallmark alleges that the professor, Kiet Huynh, was present during the exchange. She claims that instead of addressing the students celebrating the event, the professor approached her and suggested she "take this outside," followed by a laugh. Feeling singled out, Hallmark left the classroom.
University's Initial Response
Following the incident, Hallmark sought assistance from the university administration. She spoke with Donald Dougherty, the Chair of the Psychology Department, to explain what had occurred.
Hallmark claims Dougherty's response was limited. He allegedly offered to speak with her professor about her grade for the missed class and suggested sending a "friendly reminder" to students that such behavior should remain outside the classroom. Hallmark felt this response was inadequate.
Viral Video Amplifies Situation
After leaving the class, Hallmark recorded a video describing her experience. The video was posted online and quickly gained widespread attention, accumulating more than 13.3 million views. This viral exposure brought the incident at UNT into the national spotlight.
Escalation to Online Threats
The viral nature of Hallmark's video was followed by a series of threatening messages directed at her on Yik Yak, an anonymous social media platform popular on college campuses. Because posts on the app are anonymous, it was difficult to identify the individuals responsible.
Hallmark provided copies of several messages. The threats included explicit calls for violence and harassment.
- "If I see this girl on campus I’m throwing hands I do not give a f*ck," one user wrote.
- Another user suggested, "Rob her ass like she robbed us."
- Other posts called for violence against members of the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) student chapter, of which Hallmark is a member.
Seeking Further Help
Concerned for her safety, Hallmark said she escalated her concerns to Associate Dean Kacey Sebeniecher. According to Hallmark, the dean's proposed solution was for her to drop the class or transfer to a different section. "Why are you treating me like I’m the one that caused all of this?" Hallmark recalled asking.
Hallmark then reported the threats to the UNT campus police. She recorded her interaction with an officer, who she felt dismissed her concerns. In the recording, the officer reportedly questioned the severity of the Yik Yak posts and made a comment that Hallmark interpreted as dismissive. "I’m going to have to deal with you the rest of my career, I guarantee it," the officer allegedly told her.
State and Federal Officials Intervene
The incident has drawn the attention of high-level state officials. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to UNT President Harrison Keller on September 19, urging the university to expand its investigation. On September 26, he issued a stronger statement.
"President Keller and UNT must not ignore an environment of leftist political intimidation and violence," Paxton stated. "All radicalized students making these threats must be expelled and punished."
Paxton's office has indicated it will continue to investigate and explore all legal options. Additionally, sources have suggested the case has been referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for a federal investigation.
Political Support: Republican state representatives Andy Hopper and Shelley Luther appeared with Hallmark at the Denton County Courthouse on September 23 to publicly show their support for her stance.
Student's Safety Concerns Remain
Despite the involvement of state officials, Hallmark stated that she still feels unsafe on campus. She reported that friends have had to escort her to and from her car for student organization events to ensure her safety.
"Don’t let anyone tear you down for standing up for what’s right. Don’t back down, don’t let them silence you," Hallmark said, offering encouragement to others who might find themselves in a similar situation.
She has called on public officials and the university to ensure accountability. "Please hold everyone at the school accountable for their actions, because it’s just getting swept under the rug," she urged. The University of North Texas did not provide a comment on the matter when requested.