Derek Lopez, a 27-year-old graduate student and teaching assistant at Illinois State University, has found himself in serious trouble after a series of alarming incidents. The Gateway Pundit reported that Lopez disrupted a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event at the university. Eyewitness accounts describe an angry Lopez flipping over a table and tearing down promotional materials ahead of a scheduled appearance by social media figure Alex Stein. This display of aggression prompted the notice of campus authorities, leading to his arrest on charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.
The Illinois State University Police Department (ISUPD) confirmed Lopez’s identity and the details surrounding his arrest, stating that the incident took place on October 17, 2025. Following this uproar, it was revealed that Lopez had also been relieved of his duties as a teaching assistant, according to reports from the student newspaper, The Vidette.
However, the situation escalates further. The New York Post uncovered that Lopez faced federal charges for allegedly threatening to kill former President Trump. Court documents claim that Lopez made explicit threats online, stating, “I’m gonna kill Donald Trump,” and showcasing a video of a man pointing a gun at an image of Trump, complete with a target. The threats were particularly concerning given the context of a government shutdown, during which Lopez seemed to identify an opportunity to act on his violent thoughts.
FBI Director Kash Patel condemned Lopez’s comments, calling them “heinous” and asserting that they have no place in society. “Let this be a message: anyone who threatens violence against public officials or any American will be found and brought to justice,” he stated, emphasizing the seriousness of such threats.
Lopez’s arrest took place on October 28, 2025, through cooperation between the El Paso Police Department and the FBI after they executed a traffic stop. Authorities apprehended him without incident while noting the presence of his dog in the vehicle. Lopez was subsequently taken to the Woodford County Jail, where he remained under federal detention, highlighting the gravity of the situation he created.
This case adds to ongoing discussions regarding free speech, violence against public figures, and the response from law enforcement. The implications of such threats raise important questions about the boundaries of expression in a highly politicized climate, as well as the responsibilities of those in influential positions in academic settings. The actions of Lopez serve as a severe reminder of the consequences that can arise from unchecked anger and extreme rhetoric.
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