An upset University of Iowa student was taken into custody after he was filmed flipping a Turning Point USA table on campus.
The video shows a 19-year-old identified as Justin Calhoun lunging across the table, pulling it towards him, and toppling it, scattering Turning Point materials onto the ground. Afterward, he smiled at the camera and exclaimed, “Yeah!”
According to a criminal complaint, members of Turning Point had offered Calhoun some hot chocolate before the incident occurred. The complaint detailed how the group was visibly disturbed and felt threatened, especially since all members present were women. They had to reset the table and expressed feeling exhausted by the interruption.
Calhoun fled the scene but was later apprehended. He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of disorderly conduct, fifth-degree criminal mischief, and two counts of third-degree harassment, according to jail records.
A spokesperson for the university noted that all students are expected to follow the Student Life Policy, which outlines behavior standards. Although the specifics of the investigation are confidential, disciplinary actions depend on the severity of the incident.
The university emphasizes its commitment to free speech and requires annual training on the First Amendment for students, reiterating the importance of accepting differing viewpoints.
This incident bears a striking resemblance to a recent event at Illinois State University where a teaching assistant was caught on camera knocking over a Turning Point USA table. Derek Lopez, the assistant, lost his job following the incident and faced charges for disorderly conduct and property damage.
Lopez had previously drawn attention for his unsettling social media activity and was arrested again after allegedly threatening former President Trump online, according to the FBI. Prior to that, he made bizarre claims about having killed Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk during a speech at Utah Valley University.
