An Illinois State University faculty member was taken into custody this week after reportedly flipping over a Turning Point USA table on campus, as seen in a viral video.
Derek Lopez, the accused, was recorded engaging with a man nearby the table—which was set up by students to promote political YouTuber and comedian Alex Stein’s upcoming event on Oct. 20. According to local police reports and various posts on X, the act is described as vandalism.
“You know, Jesus did it, so I’ve got to do it, right?” Lopez, 27, from El Paso, Illinois, can be heard saying before the video shows him upending the table, causing pins, flyers, and other materials to scatter.
NO CLASS: A graduate student at Illinois State University vandalizes a Turning Point USA student table while tearing down promotional flyers. pic.twitter.com/v4yg5eTKMg
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 18, 2025
“Oh, wow!” exclaimed a bystander during the altercation.
In the video, Lopez, dressed in red pants and a black and red flannel shirt with his hair styled in a bun, is seen leaving the scene with a dismissive wave.
“Thanks guys, enjoy your day,” he taunts before departing.
Lopez—who reportedly disrupted a second informational table organized by another student group—was apprehended by police on Friday and faces charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property, as stated by the Illinois State University Police Department on Facebook.
Further details regarding the second incident have not yet been disclosed.
A clip of Lopez’s actions, which has garnered nearly 50,000 views on Fox News’ X account since its posting on Saturday afternoon, has provoked substantial outrage online, with thousands calling for university action.
“Can you imagine paying $30,000 annually for tuition only to witness your TA throwing a tantrum on camera? Absolutely no class,” one user commented.
“Such behavior demonstrates a total disregard for free speech and open discourse. College should focus on ideas, not emotional outbursts and censorship,” noted another.
“He shouldn’t be anywhere near a classroom with that kind of attitude,” a third shared.
Illinois State University Police Chief Aaron Woodruff commented, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding First Amendment rights and ensuring the safety of everyone within the campus community.
“We urge all community members to enhance their understanding of free speech rights and responsibilities at Illinois State University, including constructive methods for responding to disagreeable speech,” Woodruff stated.
The campus chapter of Turning Point USA has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point, was killed while addressing a crowd at Utah Valley University just over a month prior.
