Rutgers professor details US flight in new book, citing ‘fascist present’ after Kirk’s assassination
Mark Bray, a professor at Rutgers University and author known for his work on anti-fascist movements, is set to release a new book chronicling his decision to leave the United States with his family. The forthcoming publication portrays contemporary America as engulfed by a “fascist present,” a period he describes as intensely volatile following a high-profile political assassination.
The academic’s departure for Spain, detailed in his upcoming book, “Unpunctuated Death Threats: Notes from a Fascist Present,” comes after he reportedly faced severe threats and saw his home address disseminated online. The publisher explicitly links Bray’s move to the heightened political climate that followed the killing of conservative figure Charlie Kirk.
Professor’s departure and new literary work
Scheduled for release on January 19, Bray’s new book offers an intimate account of his and his family’s relocation abroad. According to the publisher, federal agents intercepted and questioned Bray at the airport before his family eventually reached Spain, an incident that reportedly left him deeply shaken. This episode underscores the perceived dangers that motivated his decision to leave the country.
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Context of threats and political landscape
The political backdrop for Bray’s departure is significantly shaped by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was tragically killed on September 10, 2025, while addressing an audience at Utah Valley University during his American Comeback Tour. This event, and the subsequent atmosphere, played a critical role in Bray’s assessment of his personal safety and the broader political environment.
Bray’s concerns about the political landscape are not new. He has been a vocal proponent of “antifascism,” a decentralized, far-left movement that often employs controversial tactics. His previous book, “Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook,” openly advocates for “militant anti-fascism.” He has also publicly stated that at least 50% of the proceeds from that book are directed to the International Anti-Fascist Defense Fund, managed by hundreds of anti-fascist activists across various countries.
Controversy and advocacy for antifascism
The professor’s strong views and past statements have not gone unnoticed, particularly within his own academic community. In October 2025, a petition was launched by students at Rutgers, spearheaded by the university’s Turning Point USA chapter, calling for Bray’s removal. They cited concerns over his public advocacy for certain political actions and his perceived support for groups employing violent tactics.
Bray has frequently used online platforms to express his perspectives. In an October 4, 2025, post on Bluesky, a social media platform popular among liberals, he articulated his belief that legal frameworks alone might not suffice to protect against perceived authoritarianism. He wrote, “It’s true that sometimes the law holds back Trump and affords us some semblance of safety. But the more we lean into the law as our shield, the more powerful it will become as a sword when Trump changes it in his favor and wields it against us. Only mass antifascism, legal or not, can save us.” This statement reflects his conviction in the necessity of collective, potentially extra-legal, resistance against what he views as a rising fascist threat.
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His academic contributions extend beyond direct advocacy. Bray is also recognized for other scholarly works that delve into the history and philosophy of anarchist and anti-fascist movements. These include:
- “The Anarchist Inquisition: Assassins, Activists, and Martyrs in Spain and France”
- “Translating Anarchy: The Anarchism of Occupy Wall Street”
These publications further underscore his long-standing engagement with radical political thought and historical movements of resistance.
Reactions from students and wider implications
The decision by Professor Bray to leave the U.S. and his subsequent book have drawn sharp criticism from some students at Rutgers University. Megan Doyle, a sophomore at Rutgers, expressed strong disapproval in a statement, highlighting the perceived irony of Bray presenting himself as a victim.
Doyle argued that considering Bray’s financial contributions to the International Antifa legal defense fund and his public advocacy for political violence, it is difficult to accept his portrayal as a victim. She further questioned the legitimacy of his claims, noting that he relocated to Spain—a country she described as an “Antifa hot spot”—allegedly to promote his book and collect donations, all while retaining his employment at Rutgers University, which is funded by New Jersey taxpayers. This perspective underscores the deep divisions and strong feelings surrounding Bray’s actions and public persona.
The controversy surrounding Professor Bray’s departure and his new book highlights broader debates about academic freedom, political activism, and the definition of fascism in contemporary American society. It raises questions about the role of academics in political discourse, the boundaries of free speech, and the implications of political polarization on personal safety and professional conduct within educational institutions.