University student who flipped TPUSA table over on campus arrested and fired

One Illinois State University (ISU) graduate student is currently in the “finding out” stage after going viral for flipping a TPUSA table.

If there’s one thing campus leftists can’t stand, it’s having their opinions challenged in a polite, non-confrontational manner. At least, that’s what one might assume, given the volume of videos depicting left-wing students and professors behaving poorly around conservatives on campus.

Like 27-year-old Derek Lopez, who flipped a TPUSA table last week. The video immediately went viral and action was taken not just by the school, but by the university’s police department as well.

BREAKING: Illinois State University teaching assistant Derek Lopez, who was ARRESTED for flipping over a TPUSA table, has been FIRED from the University

FAFO!pic.twitter.com/QD87lPnLdY

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 20, 2025

A statement by ISU confirms the consequences of the former TA’s actions:

.@IllinoisStateU recognizes the diverse perspectives represented on our campus. We expect everyone to listen and respond to opposing views with civility. @ISUPolice have provided the following update on a recent investigation:

On October 17, 2025, after an investigation by the… pic.twitter.com/qLSW7RS43Q

— Illinois State (@IllinoisStateU) October 18, 2025

“[ISU] recognizes the diverse perspectives represented on our campus. We expect everyone to listen and respond to opposing views with civility. [ISU Police] have provided the following update on a recent investigation: On October 17, 2025, after an investigation by the Illinois State University Police Department (ISUPD), 27-year-old Derek Lopez, of El Paso, IL, was arrested in Normal on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Damage to Property,” the message reads. “Lopez is a graduate student and teaching assistant at Illinois State University.”

“Over the last week, Lopez is alleged to have disrupted two informational tabling events being hosted by a registered student organization. ISUPD was contacted by the registered student organization following the escalation, leading to an investigation, identification, and arrest. This case is pending and may be grounds for additional charges and University disciplinary action. Chief Aaron Woodruff stated, ‘We are committed to protecting the First Amendment rights as well as the safety of everyone in our campus community. 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.’ All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Another statement, as reported by The New York Post, indicates that Lopez lost his TA position.

“While Illinois State University does not comment specifically on personnel matters, we can confirm Derek Lopez has been relieved of his duties as a graduate teaching assistant pending further investigation.”

Writer/Columnist

Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to BizPac Review.

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