An Illinois State University teaching assistant has found himself in hot water after being fired for flipping a Turning Point USA table on campus. Derek Lopez, 27, has now been arrested for allegedly making violent threats against President Trump.
According to federal authorities, Lopez posted a series of disturbing threats on social media, including one where he boldly declared, “I’m gonna kill Donald Trump.” In another post, he shared a video of a man pointing a gun at a graphic of Trump with a target on his head. The ongoing government shutdown was cited as the perfect opportunity to target the President.
Lopez’s arrest came after he commented on one of the Secret Service’s Instagram posts, stating, “This is the perfect time to kill the president! The Secret Service is down!” He now faces federal charges for the alleged threats and could potentially serve up to five years in prison if convicted.
FBI director Kash Patel condemned Lopez’s actions, stating, “The threats against President Trump allegedly posted by this individual are heinous and have no place in our society. Let this be a message: anyone who threatens violence against public officials or any American will be found and brought to justice.”
This arrest comes just two weeks after Lopez was let go from his teaching assistant position following a viral video of him flipping a Turning Point USA table on campus. In the footage, Lopez can be heard referencing Jesus before aggressively flipping the table, sending pins and flyers flying.
After the incident, Lopez was arrested by local authorities and charged with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. The combination of his actions on campus and the violent threats made on social media have landed him in serious legal trouble.
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