Illinois State University Teaching Assistant Caught on Camera Flipping Turning Point USA Table, Shouting “Jesus Did It” — Sparks Outrage Over Campus Bias and Free Speech
An Illinois State University teaching assistant has sparked outrage after being caught on video flipping a Turning Point USA table during a student event, an act now under university review after quickly going viral online. The shocking incident unfolded earlier this week on the ISU campus, where members of the conservative student organization had set up an informational booth to engage students about upcoming events and political discussions.
The now-viral clip shows the faculty member, identified by several sources as teaching assistant Derek Lopez, walking up to the TPUSA table dressed in a red flannel shirt. After exchanging a few words with one of the students, he suddenly shouts, “Well, you know, Jesus did it — so you know I gotta do it!” before violently flipping the table over. Flyers, pamphlets, and merchandise scatter across the pavement as stunned students look on. Lopez then casually walks away, reportedly adding, “Thanks guys, have a great day.”
Within hours, the video had exploded across social media platforms. Posted originally by Turning Point USA’s “Frontlines” account, the footage was soon reshared by Fox News and other outlets, drawing tens of thousands of views and sparking national outrage. Conservative students and advocacy groups described the act as a blatant attack on free expression and political diversity on campus. “This wasn’t just property damage,” one student organizer said. “It was an attempt to intimidate and silence conservative voices.”
Illinois State University responded swiftly with a statement acknowledging awareness of the video and confirming that the incident was under review. The university emphasized that faculty and staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and that all students, regardless of viewpoint, have the right to express themselves peacefully on campus. As of Saturday, the school had not disclosed whether disciplinary action would be taken.
For many on campus, however, the damage was already done. Students involved in the event described feeling “shocked” and “targeted,” adding that they never expected hostility from a faculty member. One eyewitness said the man had approached the table appearing calm before suddenly snapping. “It was surreal,” said another member of the group. “We were just handing out flyers, and the next second, our table was upside down.”
The incident reignited a broader national conversation about ideological intolerance on college campuses, where conservative students often report being marginalized by peers or faculty. Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk, has long faced controversy on campuses for its outspoken conservative positions, but the organization insists it promotes peaceful dialogue and open debate. The group’s leadership condemned the Illinois State faculty member’s actions as “an unprovoked attack on students exercising their First Amendment rights.”
Meanwhile, supporters of the professor have attempted to downplay the situation, arguing the act was impulsive and not physically violent. Still, many critics say such behavior from an academic professional crosses a clear line. “Faculty are supposed to model civil discourse,” one parent wrote on social media. “What lesson does this teach our kids about tolerance or respect for differing views?”
As calls for accountability continue to build, the Turning Point USA students say they won’t be intimidated. “We’re not going anywhere,” one student organizer said. “If anything, this proved exactly why we do what we do — because too many people think it’s okay to silence others through anger or hate.”
The viral moment has since become emblematic of the ideological divide gripping American campuses. Whether Illinois State University chooses to discipline the faculty member or not, the incident has already made one thing clear: the national debate over free speech and political tolerance in higher education is far from over.
