Iowa Student Arrested for Flipping Conservative Group’s Table on Campus

IOWA CITY, Iowa — A University of Iowa student was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly flipping over a conservative student group’s table during an on-campus event. Nineteen-year-old Justin Pham Calhoon faces multiple charges, including disorderly conduct and third-degree harassment.

According to a criminal complaint, Calhoon approached a table set up by Turning Point USA on the T. Anne Cleary Walkway near the Tippie College of Business. Members of the conservative group were distributing free hot chocolate when the incident occurred. Police reported that Calhoon declined the hot chocolate, then flipped the table, laughed, and walked away, leaving the group visibly shaken.

The table-flipping incident disrupted the event and has since been shared widely on social media. Turning Point USA posted video footage of the event, which has garnered over 6.2 million views on Instagram as of Thursday evening. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-IA, condemned Calhoon’s actions, stating, “Intimidation tactics and violent behavior are unacceptable regardless of political party.”

In a previous incident on October 30, Calhoon was charged for similar disruptive behavior at a Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) event. Police were alerted to Calhoon’s actions after he repeated the disruptive behavior during the Turning Point USA event.

Calhoon was released without bond following his arrest and a temporary no-contact order was issued, barring him from contacting the affected group members. A non-jury trial is scheduled for March 3, 2026, at the Johnson County Courthouse in Iowa City.

The incidents prompt ongoing discussions about free speech and conduct at university events. The University of Iowa is investigating whether Calhoon violated student conduct policies, reaffirming its commitment to uphold free speech on campus.