Illinois State University police have arrested a graduate student after he was caught flipping over a Turning Point USA table on campus.
27-year-old Derek Lopez is facing charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property after confronting members of the conservative organization as they were promoting YouTuber and comedian Alex Stein’s event that took place on Oct. 20.
“Well you know, Jesus did it, so you know I gotta do it right?” Lopez said to the students in a video on his Instagram.
Lopez then walks to one side of the table, pulls down the tablecloth, and then grabs one side of the table and flips it over, sending flyers and pins in the air.
“Thanks guys, have a great day,” he said to the students as he walked away.
According to police, this isn’t Lopez’s first encounter - he was also reported for disrupting two informational tabling events that were hosted by registered student organizations.
Lopez works as a teacher’s assistant at the school and reportedly defended his actions online.
“Pacifism is one of my core principles, but reading the Bible was what inspired me to flip that table,” he reportedly wrote on social media. “If Jesus did it, so can I.”
While the case is pending, police said Lopez’s actions could be grounds for university disciplinary action and additional charges.
The university’s police chief, Aaron Woodruff, said that they are committed to protecting First Amendment rights as well as the safety of people on campus.
"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 when encountering speech they may disagree with," said Woodruff.