A teacher assistant at Illinois State University was arrested by campus police after flipping over a promotional table set up by students for an event organized by Turning Point USA this week.
Derek Lopez, 27, was captured on video speaking to a man near the table before overturning it, scattering pins and flyers into the air. The incident occurred during an event promoting political YouTuber Alex Stein’s Oct. 20 appearance at the university.
Lopez, who wore red pants, a black-and-red flannel, and had a bun in his hair, was heard telling the man, “Well, you know, Jesus did it, so you know I gotta do it, right?” before flipping the table. A witness exclaimed, “Oh, woah!” as the scene unfolded. Lopez then left the area, saying, “Thanks guys, have a great day,” before being arrested.
Campus police charged Lopez with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. The Illinois State University Police Department stated he disrupted two informational tabling events hosted by a registered student organization. A statement from the department emphasized commitment to protecting First Amendment rights while urging constructive engagement with disagreeable speech.
Lopez, a graduate student and teaching assistant, remains in custody as the case is pending. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.