A former teaching assistant at Illinois State University now faces federal charges, the result of a joint operation between the FBI and Secret Service. Derek Lopez, 27, was arrested Tuesday, accused of making direct threats against President Donald Trump.
The investigation, spanning a month, began following concerns raised about Lopez’s activities both online and in person. An FBI memo details the allegations, stating Lopez recently voiced threats against the sitting President, triggering the federal charges.
Lopez made his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon. The alleged threats were swiftly condemned by FBI Director Kash Patel, who described them as “heinous” and unacceptable within American society.
This arrest isn’t Lopez’s first encounter with law enforcement related to disruptive behavior. A viral video previously surfaced showing him overturning a table used by members of the Turning Point USA chapter on the Illinois State University campus.
The incident occurred while the conservative group was promoting an upcoming event featuring political comedian Alex Stein. Lopez, captured on video, justified his actions with a startling statement: “Well, you know, Jesus did it, so you know I gotta do it, right?”
Following the table-flipping incident, Illinois State University swiftly terminated Lopez’s employment as a graduate teaching assistant. The university confirmed he was relieved of his duties while an investigation was underway, though they declined to provide specific details.
Lopez had already been arrested by local police for the campus disruption, facing charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. The new federal charges represent a significant escalation in the legal consequences he now faces.
FBI Director Patel emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating the bureau will relentlessly pursue anyone who threatens violence, not just against public officials, but against any American citizen. He acknowledged the crucial assistance provided by local law enforcement and the US Secret Service throughout the investigation.
