The assassination of Charlie Kirk was followed by arrests across the U.S. over alleged threats of violence in response to his killing.
A Texas man who authorities say expressed support for Kirk faces federal charges after making alleged threats online this month to shoot up a Pride parade in the city of Abilene in revenge for Kirk's killing.
In El Paso, a woman faces an arson charge after authorities say she tried to set a church on fire and left threatening messages where a vigil was to be held to honor Kirk.
Law enforcement in Utah and Minnesota made similar arrests.
Social media lit up in the days after Kirk's Sept. 10 killing with people mourning his death — some of whom said they disagreed with Kirk's ideological stances but supported his right to voice them — as well as those celebrating it.
Alex del Carmen, a criminologist and professor at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, said the rise in threats in the aftermath of Kirk's killing is "dangerous and self-defeating."
"The First Amendment protects even harsh, unpopular speech, but it does not protect valid threats," del Carmen said. "When people cross that line, accountability is essential, and so is empathy for those who are grieving."
In Abilene, an FBI agent interviewed the man, who allegedly acknowledged making the posts and possessing a firearm but denied he would take action or shoot participants, according to the affidavit. The parade was held without incident the day after the man's arrest.
In Minnesota, in the same county where the former speaker of the state House and her husband were assassinated this summer, a man was charged with four counts of terroristic threats after authorities say he referred to Kirk as his "friend" and threatened violence against several people.
"These threats are chilling and extremely graphic," Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty in Minnesota said in a statement. "We will not tolerate threats of politically motivated violence and will do everything in our power to hold those who make these threats accountable."
In Utah, a Pennsylvania man was arrested for a threat of terrorism after authorities say he posted a threatening video aimed at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was killed.
