Turning Point USA gatherings have a history of sparking controversy, and its October 14 stop at the University of Minnesota was no exception.
Riley Gaines, an American conservative activist and former collegiate swimmer, was a keynote speaker but faced protests from students over her past remarks on transgender athletes’ participation in sports.
Highlights
- A girl apologized after facing backlash for telling a protester to “go back to your own country.
- The University of St. Thomas confirmed she had withdrawn from her classes.
- Derek Torstenson criticized her apology while addressing allegations about his own conduct.
Derek Torstenson, a liberal activist of European descent, was among the demonstrators, however, he went viral not for his involvement in the protest but after a girl was caught on video telling him to “go back to your own country.”
The student who made the remark has now apologized and taken an unexpected step to address what social media users described as her “entitlement.”
The student who made a xenophobic remark against a protester has broken her silence and made a drastic move
The girl’s name has not been publicly revealed, but she was identified as a nursing student at nearby St. Thomas University.
She released a statement through her institution on Tuesday, October 20, which was obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
“What I said and did was wrong, and I understand that my actions caused hurt and disappointment. Regardless of the circumstances, I should have handled the situation with respect, and I take full responsibility for my behavior,” she began.
“I am truly sorry.”
She added that she was “committed to educating myself and better understanding how my words and actions affect others.”
The student assured those she had “hurt or disappointed” that she would use the experience as an “opportunity to grow and do better moving forward.”
Meanwhile, the University of St. Thomas revealed that the student had withdrawn from her classes.
The institution previously said the student’s views did not align with its core principles
After the video of the girl’s confrontation with Torstenson sparked backlash, the University of St. Thomas said it was aware of the incident.
The institution added that it had been looking into the matter, but that student privacy laws prevented it from publicly discussing any action being planned against her.
The school went on to note that “the language heard in the video is inconsistent with the university’s values and convictions.”
“As a Catholic university, we have a responsibility to provide a welcoming environment for all and do not condone hateful language being used by anyone in our university community,” its statement continued.
The university said it would address the incident “in accordance with the student code of conduct.”
“As always, our first priority is supporting our students. To our Tommies, we hear you and will continue providing support and working to build a university community that respects the dignity of each person,” they concluded.
Derek Torstenson responded to the student’s apology while addressing a controversy of his own in an interview
Speaking to the Daily Mail on Wednesday, October 21, Torstenson said he was not satisfied with the student’s apology, arguing that she should have been expelled despite her decision to drop the course.
However, Torstenson himself has faced criticism over his conduct during the confrontation.
He was accused of insulting the student at the scene, allegedly calling her and two men who supported her “fat, white trash weirdos” who hate Americans.
He was also seen waving a fan bearing the word “c*nt,” prompting speculation that he may have directed the vulgar slur at the student.
The activist denied the assumption, telling the outlet, “I never made any threats.”
He claimed the pictures of him holding the fan were taken hours before his encounter with the student and explained that he used it as a “joke.”
“When I bring the fan out, it’s as a joke. I meant it as ‘See you next Tuesday,’” he said.
Torstenson has been protesting for liberal causes since 2016, and this wasn't the first time he drew attention for his conduct at a demonstration.
He hurled profanities at an event organizer a few months back
In August, Torstenson allegedly clashed with protesters over transgender participation in women’s sports outside a Minnesota Lynx game.
An event organizer at the scene reportedly attempted to move him along, but he allegedly responded, “No, not leaving b**ch. Wanna get arrested, b**ch.”
Torstenson was also seen using his infamous fan at this event.
Before that, he displayed it when posing behind Savannah Hernandez, a Turning Point USA reporter, before a fight broke out at the Whipple Federal Building last April.
"The wrath of the internet always gets them," a netizen said about the girl's apology and action
