Federal agents reportedly advised ESPN analyst Pat McAfee to wear a bulletproof vest following Charlie Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University. This security recommendation, according to a report from OutKick, comes as McAfee faces a steady stream of death threats.
The shadow of the Charlie Kirk assassination at Utah Valley University
The security concerns surrounding Pat McAfee are inexticably linked to the violent history of the region. More than a year ago, Charlie Kirk was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University , an event that continues to color the atmosphere of public gatherings in the state. During a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the former Colts punter alluded to this tragedy, questioning the safety of college gatherings in Utah.
McAfee expressed significant unease during a recent College GameDay visit to the University of Utah, noting that he felt a sense of profound discomfort. He questioned whether his presence might inadvertently amplify local hostility, asking on air if the university should be providing reasons for people to hate him. This psychological tension was compounded by the recent history of violence in the area, making the environment feel inherently unstable for the media personality.
FBI's recommendation for bulletproof vests amid persistent death threats
According to a source familiar with the situation cited by OutKick, the FBI advised McAfee to utilize protective body armor due to the severity of the threats he receives. The report indicates that McAfee is regularly targeted with threatening messages and explicit death threats. While an FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Post, the gravity of the advice suggests a heightened level of concern from federal law enforcement regarding the safety of the ESPN personality.
This security risk appears to be part of a broader pattern of digital hostility directed at McAfee. The report notes that the sports media star is frequently the target of "hysteria and false accusations" from internet users. This trend has intensified following high-profile appearances, such as his interview with President Trump on ESPN earlier this year. Despite these threats, McAfee has continued his professional duties, appearing on College GameDay sets at Tennessee and Oklahoma earlier this season.
The University of Utah's viral video and the $1 million kicker controversy
Tensions between McAfee and the University of Utah reached a boiling point following a social media incident during a recent College GameDay broadcast. An official university account posted a video that students used to mock McAfee, contributing to his expressed discomfort on campus. Additionally, McAfee noted a sense of friction during a kicking contest where a student complained about only being able to win $1 million,adding to the feeling that the visit was poorly received.
In response to the backlash, ESPN released a statement on Monday night backing McAfee, emphasizing that the safety of their crew is paramount. The network stated they recognize the "very real and valid concerns" McAfee has regarding security. The University of Utah subsequently issued an apology, admitting the video "missed the mark" and stating they take full accountability for the decision. University officials have since reached out to McAfee to express regret and ensure he knows he is welcome on their campus.
What the FBI has yet to confirm to The Post
Despite the reporting from OutKick, several critical details regarding the federal involvement remain unverified. It is currently unknown whether the FBI's advice was a formal directive or a precautionary suggestion made during a private consultation. Furthermore , the specific nature and frequency of the "regular" death threats mentioned in the report have not been disclosed to the public.
The lack of a direct comment from an FBI spokesperson leaves the exact relationship between federal authorities and McAfee's personal security team in question. Without official confirmation, it remains unclear if law enforcement is actively monitoring specific individuals or if the advice was a general response to the heightened political and social volatility in the region.
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