As you can see by my username. I grew up in the South and dealt with this all the time.

A couple of years ago , I told someone I worked in the green tech industry and he threatened to slit my throat right there.

I'm applying to PhD programs out of the country and I'm really far into one interview process.

Comrades, you need to know how to protect yourself. Even if you live somewhere safe or escaping to somewhere safe these people will try to come after you. Protect yourself and your loved ones. You can't reason with the unreasonable.