As if the #GamerGate movement wasn't already ugly enough, cultural critic Anita Sarkeesian has faced another series of death threats. This time Sarkeesian's speaking engagement at Utah State University had to be canceled because of threats promising a massacre if she spoke as scheduled.
Tonight Sarkeesian took to Twitter to talk about the death threats and #GamerGate:
Forced to cancel my talk at USU after receiving death threats because police wouldn't take steps to prevent concealed firearms at the event.
— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) October 15, 2014
Requested pat downs or metal detectors after mass shooting threat but because of Utah's open carry laws police wouldn’t do firearm searches.
— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) October 15, 2014
Multiple specific threats made stating intent to kill me & feminists at USU. For the record one threat did claim affiliation with #gamergate
— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) October 15, 2014
At this point supporting #gamergate is implicitly supporting the harassment of women in the gaming industry.
— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) October 15, 2014
I’m safe. I will continue my work. I will continue speaking out. The whole game industry must stand up against the harassment of women.
— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) October 15, 2014
This isn't the first time Sarkeesian has received death threats, although they'd failed to derail her appearances until today. Just a few days ago she tweeted about the harassment she faces.
Today marks the 3rd time I’ve gone on stage after specific death and bomb threats where issued to an event where I’m scheduled to speak.
— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) October 11, 2014