A group of masked demonstrators at a private college in Pennsylvania is facing backlash online after a video showed them chanting statements that many netizens interpreted as support for violence against American troops. The moment was captured outside a campus building at Swarthmore College by an individual who goes by @Surge_Philly on X.
In the video, the protesters had their faces covered, leaving only their eyes visible, while one person used a megaphone to lead their chants. The individual with the megaphone can be heard shouting that Iran and Hezbollah “make us proud” and also urged both groups to “take another soldier out,” which many believe is a reference to a U.S. soldier. A few others standing nearby held signs with messages such as “Divest Now” and “Blood Is on Your Hands.”
The person who recorded and shared the video said he attempted to speak with school authorities following the demonstration. According to him, he went to the campus to confront the president and provost, but was told by an administrator that both were unavailable. He also claimed he was instructed to stop filming and leave the campus, which he said he did.
“This raises serious questions about radicalization happening in our colleges and universities,” he stated in his post. “Should students be allowed to advocate for American troops losing their lives while studying in the United States of America?”
Netizens’ Reaction to Pennsylvania Campus Protest
Reactions to the video have been largely critical, with many condemning the chants heard in the clip. One person asked, “Isn’t that inciting violence? Why is this allowed?” Another wrote, “There’s a difference between protest and praising harm.” A third said, “They should be expelled from school and deported,” while a fourth added, “Every single one of these protesters should be investigated.”
One comment also read, “Ignorance is hard to watch. Twenty years from now, these kids will be mortified.” Someone else remarked, “It’s a privilege to live in a country where you’re free to speak your mind… Cheering harm against our soldiers isn’t protest.” Another netizen even called their actions “abominable” and argued that “federal and state funds should be immediately withheld,” a sentiment echoed by several others.
Although the demonstrators are believed to be students, it has not been independently confirmed whether they are actually affiliated with the school.
