A vigil for Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure, attracted an audience of around 1,000 people at the University of Texas at San Antonio on September 15, 2025. This gathering came just days after Kirk was tragically assassinated at Utah Valley University. The event highlighted the public’s respect for Kirk and their commitment to honoring his memory, even amid threats that marred the occasion.
The atmosphere of the vigil was shadowed by troubling online threats posted by a 19-year-old man named Xaelyn Dunbar. He voiced his disdain for the memorial in a Facebook comment, calling it a “disgrace.” Dunbar’s comments escalated, implying that he would disrupt the vigil by stating, “you’ll see tmr I jus wouldn’t advise tryna stop a ford 250 Diesel truck.” Such statements raised alarms about the potential for violence, prompting the Southwest Texas Fusion Center to take decisive action.
Law enforcement responded quickly. Officers from the San Antonio and Universal City police departments went to Dunbar’s apartment for a welfare check. During this interaction, Dunbar admitted to making the threatening posts but downplayed his actions, labeling them as “being dumb” and “clowning around.” He expressed willingness to accept any consequences that might arise from his behavior. Despite Dunbar’s lighthearted claims, the seriousness of making threats cannot be understated.
Dunbar was subsequently arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat. He was booked into the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, where a bond of $40,000 was set. Fortunately, the vigil for Charlie Kirk continued without incident. The prompt actions of law enforcement helped ensure the safety of attendees, who gathered to pay their respects.
This situation underscores a grave concern regarding the increasing prevalence of online threats, especially within the context of political and ideological gatherings. The nature of Dunbar’s comments, accompanied by the potential for serious consequences, has raised questions about how social media is influencing real-world behavior.
The response from law enforcement demonstrates a commitment to public safety and the serious handling of threats, irrespective of their context. As communities gather to honor individuals of significance, it is vital to be aware of and prepared for potential disruptions, especially in today’s charged political climate. The events surrounding Charlie Kirk’s vigil remind us of the dedication required to ensure that such gatherings can occur peacefully and respectfully.
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