A former teaching assistant at Illinois State University was arrested on Tuesday after federal agents say he allegedly made threats
A former teaching assistant at Illinois State University was arrested on Tuesday after federal agents say he allegedly made threats against President Donald Trump. The arrest came after a month-long investigation led by the FBI and the United States Secret Service, with help from local law enforcement.
Derek Lopez, 27, had recently been in the spotlight after a viral incident on campus involving Turning Point USA, a conservative student group. That moment, which showed Lopez flipping over a table set up by the group, may have been the first time many outside the university heard his name. But according to officials, it’s what happened after that incident—and what was allegedly posted online—that led to federal charges.
In a memo obtained by Fox News Digital, the FBI said, “Lopez is alleged to have recently made threats against a sitting President, which prompted the current federal charges.” He was arrested in a joint operation that included the FBI, Secret Service, and the Illinois State University Police Department. He made his first court appearance on Wednesday afternoon.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the case in strong terms, telling Fox News Digital that the alleged threats were “heinous” and emphasizing that violence or threats of violence against any American—especially public officials—would not be tolerated.
