Illinois State faculty member arrested for flipping Turning Point USA table

A Illinois State University A faculty member was arrested after he was accused of flipping a Turning Point USA student group’s table and tearing down promotional flyers on campus last week.

Derek Lopez, a 27-year-old graduate student and teaching assistant at the university, was caught on camera talking to a man standing near the table that students from the conservative group had set up to promote political comedian Alex Stein’s upcoming event at the facility, before then throwing the table, 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 flipping the table.

TURNING POINT LEADER CALLS FOR AFTERMATH FOR UCHICAGO PROFESSOR ARRESTED AT ANTI-ICE RALLY

An Illinois State University faculty member was arrested after he was accused of flipping a Turning Point USA table on campus. (Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

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

Accordingly, Lopez is also said to have disturbed a second information table belonging to a group of students Illinois State University Police.

He was arrested Friday and is facing charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage. Police said the case is pending and could result in further charges and disciplinary action by the university.

27-year-old Derek Lopez is charged with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. (Illinois State University Police)

“We are committed to protecting the First Amendment rights and the safety of everyone in our campus 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 speech with which they may disagree,” the statement continued.

TURNING POINT USA DRAWS 2,000 IN FIRST TOUR EVENT SINCE KIRK’S MURDER

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

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Turning Point USA was co-founded by a conservative activist Charlie Kirkwho was murdered last month during an event at Utah Valley University.