Trans-identified man charged with attacking U of Utah College Republican, saying they should be 'shot in the street'

The incident was documented on X by the Utah College Republicans, who posted an image of the attacker and the student whose clothing was ripped.

“College Republican attacked while peacefully tabling at the University of Utah. Transgender man rips shirt off conservative student for affirming there are only 2 genders,” the group wrote. “Why does this keep happening on college campuses?”

In a video posted by Rylie Barnes, president of the College Republicans chapter, the confrontation escalated after the individual interacted with the student. During the exchange, the transgender-identifying individual mocked Republicans’ right to free speech, saying Republicans “should be shot in the street.” He was asked whether he was advocating for violence, and later lunged at the student recording the incident.

The Cougar Chronicle reported that the incident began around 12:30 pm as the College Republicans were tabling outside the university library. The transgender individual, identified as Amber Grace, approached the table and wiped off a whiteboard that said: “There are only two genders: yes or no?”

After a club member tried to engage in civil dialogue with the man and recorded Grace as he said Republicans should be “shot in the street,” Grace tackled the member to the ground and ripped his shirt. The altercation was broken up by bystanders, with witnesses saying Grace tried to apologize. However, Grace fled the scene when the University Police were called.

In a joint Instagram post from the University of Utah Queer Student Union, Armed Queers Salt Lake City, Freedom Socialist Road Salt Lake City, the Utah Valley University Community Defense Club, and the Utah Anti-War Committee, the groups claimed that Grace was “transphobically harassed by the Utah College Republicans.” They called for the charges against Grace to be dropped, arguing that “speaking against transphobia is not a crime.”

Grace is now facing misdemeanor charges of assault and property damage.

“Universities should be a place where differing perspectives can be discussed openly and respectfully. Disagreement is not an excuse to interfere with another student’s expression, and it certainly does not justify physical violence,” Barnes said in a statement to The Cougar Chronicle. “We will not allow intimidation or violence to silence our voices.”