Miami Republicans, university rocked by report of racist group chat

Leaked messages showed GOP officials, student leaders exchanged hateful content

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A Florida university is investigating a report that prominent members of the local Republican Party and conservative student leaders exchanged racist, antisemitic and homophobic messages in an online group chat. The leaked logs showed participants included the secretary of Miami-Dade County's Republican Party and student leaders of Florida International University's Turning Point USA chapter.

Why it matters

The revelations have rocked the Miami political scene, raising concerns about the spread of hate speech and extremism, even among those in positions of influence. The incident also highlights the risks of private online communications becoming public and the need for greater accountability among elected officials and student leaders.

The details

According to the Miami Herald report, the WhatsApp group chat included messages proposing extreme acts of violence against Black people, using racial slurs, and making antisemitic comments. One participant, William Bejerano, posted a lengthy message suggesting dozens of violent acts, while another, Dariel Gonzalez, used a slur to refer to Jewish people and said it was fine to have sex with Jews 'as long as you don't marry them and procreate.'

  • The group chat began in the autumn of 2025.
  • The leaked messages were reported by the Miami Herald on March 5, 2026.

The players

Abel Carvajal

Secretary of Miami-Dade County's Republican Party, who started the group chat for conservative students.

William Bejerano

A participant in the group chat who posted a message proposing dozens of acts of extreme violence against Black people, using a racial slur.

Dariel Gonzalez

At the time, the recruitment chair of the College Republicans, who used a slur to refer to Jewish people and said it was fine to have sex with Jews 'as long as you don't marry them and procreate.'

Florida International University

A state-funded university known for its engineering and business programs, where the Turning Point USA chapter was based.

Kevin Cooper

The chair of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County, who condemned the group chat and said the party's board had started proceedings to remove Carvajal.

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What’s next

The university's police department, along with local, state and federal law enforcement, are investigating the allegations. The Republican Party of Miami-Dade County has also started proceedings to remove Abel Carvajal from his position as secretary.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing concerns about the spread of hate speech and extremism, even among those in positions of influence. It underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight among elected officials and student leaders, as well as the risks of private online communications becoming public.