Illinois State faculty member arrested for flipping Turning Point USA table

An Illinois State University faculty member was arrested after being accused of overturning the table of a group of Turning Point USA students and tearing up promotional flyers on campus last week.

Derek Lopez, a 27-year-old graduate student and teaching assistant at the university, was filmed talking to a man standing near the table set by the conservative group’s students to promote political comedian Alex Stein’s upcoming event at the institution, before throwing the table away, the video shows.

“Well, you know, Jesus did it, so you know I have to do it, right?” Lopez told the man before he was seen knocking over the table.

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An Illinois State University faculty member has been arrested after being accused of knocking over a Turning Point USA table on campus. (Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

“Thanks guys, have a nice day,” he chuckles later as he waves and leaves the area.

Lopez also allegedly disrupted a second information table hosted by a group of students, according to Illinois State University police.

He was arrested Friday and faces charges of disturbing the peace and criminal damage to property. Police said the matter is ongoing and could result in additional charges and disciplinary action at the university.

Derek Lopez, 27, faces charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. (Illinois State University Police)

“We are committed to protecting the First Amendment rights and safety of all members of our University community,” Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said in a statement.

“We encourage all members of our community to learn more about free speech rights and responsibilities at Illinois State University, including constructive ways to respond to comments with which they may disagree,” the statement continued.

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Turning Point USA was co-founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered at an event at Utah Valley University last month. (Getty Images)

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Turning Point USA was co-founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered at an event at Utah Valley University last month.