Controversial 'Gun Girl' Kaitlin Bennett Visits UCF Campus

Students express discomfort and fear over Bennett's confrontational interview tactics

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Kaitlin Bennett, a conservative social media personality known for her viral photo posing with an AR-10 rifle on Kent State's campus, visited the University of Central Florida this week to interview students outside the Student Union. Students described feeling uncomfortable and intimidated by Bennett's confrontational interview style, which they say is more focused on creating conflict than engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Why it matters

Bennett's campus visits have become a source of tension and unease for many students, who feel her presence creates a hostile environment. Her confrontational approach and perceived intent to 'belittle' those who disagree with her has led some students to avoid engaging with her entirely out of fear of being portrayed negatively.

The details

During her time on UCF's campus, Bennett was seen interviewing students, often on the topic of gun rights. One student said she refused to take a photo with him unless he first agreed to be interviewed, then pressed him on the issue of voter identification. Another student who spoke with Bennett said her 30-second time limit for questions prevented any real dialogue. Overall, students expressed a sense that Bennett's goal is not to have a thoughtful discussion, but rather to create conflict and make those who disagree with her 'sound stupid'.

  • On Tuesday, around noon, Bennett visited the UCF campus.

The players

Kaitlin Bennett

A conservative social media personality known for her viral photo posing with an AR-10 rifle on Kent State's campus, who has built a career interviewing students on college campuses.

University of Central Florida (UCF)

A public university located in Orlando, Florida where Bennett conducted her interviews with students.

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What they’re saying

“It keeps creating this very hostile environment on campus.”

— Anonymous UCF student (hercampus.com)

“I'm really scared, and it's kind of making me feel hopeless.”

— Anonymous UCF student (hercampus.com)

“I just saw in real time how she will come at you and clip it up to make you sound stupid.”

— Anonymous UCF student (hercampus.com)

The takeaway

Bennett's confrontational campus visits have become a source of tension and unease for many students, who feel her presence creates a hostile environment more focused on conflict than meaningful dialogue. Her perceived intent to 'belittle' those who disagree with her has led some students to avoid engaging with her entirely out of fear of being portrayed negatively.