Illinois State faculty member arrested for flipping Turning Point USA table
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An Illinois State University faculty member was arrested last week after being accused of knocking over the desk of student group Turning Point USA and tearing up promotional flyers on campus.
Derek Lopez, 27, a graduate student and lecturer at the university, was caught on camera talking to a man standing next to a table set up by students in the conservative group to promote political comedian Alex Stein’s upcoming event at the institution, before later throwing the table, video shows.
“You know Jesus did it, so you know I have to do it too, right?” Lopez told the man before he was seen flipping the table over.
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An Illinois State University faculty member has been arrested after being accused of knocking over a Turning Point USA desk on campus. (Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)
He then said, “Thanks guys, hope you have a great day” as he waved and left the area.
Lopez also allegedly disrupted a second information desk hosted by a student group, according to Illinois State University Police.
He was arrested on Friday and is charged with disorderly conduct and destruction of property. Police said the case is pending and could be grounds for additional charges and disciplinary action at the university.
Derek Lopez, 27, is charged with disorderly conduct and destruction of property. (Illinois State University Police)
“We are committed to protecting the First Amendment rights as well as the safety of everyone in our campus community,” Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said in a statement.
“We encourage all members of our community to learn more about their free speech rights and responsibilities at Illinois State University, including ways to respond constructively when encountering expression with which they disagree,” the statement continued.
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Turning Point USA was co-founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last month during an event at Utah Valley University. (Getty Images)
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Turning Point USA was co-founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last month during an event at Utah Valley University.
