Iowa Student Arrested After Flipping Conservative Groups’ Tables

Iowa City, Iowa — A University of Iowa student, Justin Calhoon, was arrested on Wednesday after police say he flipped a Turning Point USA table on campus. This incident occurred just days after he was charged for a similar act against the school’s Young America's Foundation (YAF) group.

A criminal complaint against Calhoon states that he flipped the YAF table on October 27. He was subsequently arrested on October 31, facing charges of disorderly conduct, fifth-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree harassment according to arrest records. The complaint details that Calhoon left a residence hall early in the afternoon and was captured on campus surveillance acting in a ‘disruptive and aggressive’ manner toward the YAF table.

The complaint alleges, ‘Upon arrival, Defendant disrupted their assembly by flipping the group’s table, made obscene gestures, and shouted profanity, including ‘s— my d—,’ while flipping off the group.’ It also noted damage to some of YAF’s property. A second complaint from the same incident indicated that a female member of YAF was concerned for her safety due to fear of potential future threats.

Just a week following his first arrest, Calhoon was apprehended again on November 5 for allegedly flipping the Turning Point USA table. Video evidence shows him lunging across the table, yanking it toward him, and flipping it onto its side, scattering promotional materials onto the pavement.

He was arrested later that day and charged with two counts of disorderly conduct, fifth-degree criminal mischief, and two counts of third-degree harassment. Following the incident, Turning Point USA members reported feeling intimidated. ‘The incident left the group visibly shaken and disrupted their event,’ a complaint stated. ‘They were forced to reset their table and reported feeling frazzled and intimidated, particularly as all members present were female.’

In response to inquiries about Calhoon’s actions against Turning Point, the University of Iowa stated that students must adhere to conduct standards. However, they did not confirm if any disciplinary action has been taken against him.

<p"The University of Iowa is fully committed to Free Speech, requiring First Amendment Training for all students annually and frequently communicating expectations for tolerating different viewpoints," a university spokesperson shared. They emphasized that all students are expected to follow the Code of Student Life, which sets standards for behavior and conduct.

The university did not respond to requests regarding Calhoon’s earlier incident with YAF.