Student arrested for flipping Turning Point table charged days prior in similar anti-conservative incident
Share and Follow

A student from the University of Iowa found himself in legal trouble after incidents on campus involving two different conservative organizations. Justin Calhoon was apprehended on Wednesday following allegations that he overturned a table set up by Turning Point USA. This arrest came just days after a similar confrontation with the Young America’s Foundation (YAF), resulting in his earlier arrest.

According to a criminal complaint, Calhoon was accused of flipping over a YAF table on October 27. Arrest records indicate that he was taken into custody on October 31, facing charges of disorderly conduct, fifth-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree harassment.

Details from the complaint reveal that Calhoon was observed leaving a residence hall early in the afternoon and was captured by campus surveillance as he approached the YAF table. His actions were described as “disruptive and aggressive,” causing a scene on campus grounds.

Justin Calhoon mugshot

Upon his arrival at the scene, Calhoon reportedly engaged in behavior that disturbed the group’s activities. The complaint highlights that he not only overturned the table but also made obscene gestures and shouted profanities, including an offensive remark directed at the group. Additionally, it was noted that some of YAF’s property suffered damage during the incident.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office released a mugshot of Calhoon, linked to the November 5 incident with Turning Point USA. His actions have drawn attention to the tensions that can arise on college campuses regarding political affiliations and freedom of expression.

A second criminal complaint from the same incident says a female YAF member “expressed concern for her personal safety and well-being if contact continues with the organization due to fear of potential future threats.”

Only a week after his first campus arrest, Calhoon was arrested again on Wednesday when he allegedly flipped a Turning Point USA table.

Video of that incident shows a man identified by police as Calhoon lunging across the table, yanking it toward him and flipping it on its side while Turning Point promotional materials spilled onto the pavement.

Student flips tpusa table university of iowa

A student flips a Turning Point USA table at the University of Iowa on Nov. 5, 2025.  (X/@FrontlinesTPUSA)

He was arrested hours later and charged with two counts of disorderly conduct, fifth-degree criminal mischief and two counts of third-degree harassment.

The group of female Turning Point students was also left feeling intimidated.

“The incident left the group visibly shaken and disrupted their event,” a criminal complaint from that incident said. “They were forced to reset their table and reported feeling frazzled and intimidated, particularly as all members present were female.”

In response to a comment request about Calhoon’s run-in with Turning Point, the University of Iowa said students are expected to adhere to certain conduct standards, but did not say whether Calhoon has, or will be, disciplined.

The University of Iowa

Justin Calhoon was charged in two incidents at the University of Iowa. (Don and Melinda Crawford/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“All Iowa students are expected to follow the Code of Student Life, which sets standards for student behavior and conduct. While the outcome of these investigations are considered confidential, discipline is based on the severity of the violation,” a university spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

The spokesperson also said the school believes in free speech.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

The University of Iowa did not respond to a request for comment regarding Calhoon’s YAF run-in.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Duval County school choice lottery window opens for 2026 - 2027 school year

Duval County Launches School Choice Lottery for 2026-2027 Academic Year

From December 1 to January 31, parents and guardians in Duval County…
Mamdani-appointed NYC professor who wrote book on ending policing now tasked with shaping community safety

NYC Professor and Author of Policing Reform Book Takes on New Role in Community Safety

A sociology professor from Brooklyn College, who has been selected to join…
FILE - Luigi Mangione is escorted into Manhattan state court in New York, Sept. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, file)

Luigi Mangione Seeks to Remove Key Evidence Ahead of UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Anniversary

In New York, as the somber one-year mark of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian…
Shirley MacLaine, 91, sips cocktails at beloved Malibu hangout

Shirley MacLaine, 91, Enjoys Vibrant Evening at Iconic Malibu Cocktail Spot

Shirley MacLaine, the iconic actress known for her vibrant personality, was recently…
Rubio says US-Ukraine talks on Russia war were productive but much work remains in search of a deal

US-Ukraine Negotiations Progress Under Rubio’s Watch: Unyielding Efforts Towards a Russia War Resolution

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — On Sunday, U.S. and Ukrainian officials engaged…
5 ways Republicans are breaking with Trump

Top 5 Surprising Ways Republicans Are Distancing Themselves from Trump in 2023

As President Trump approaches the conclusion of his first year back in…
Best Cyber Monday deals under $25

Top Cyber Monday Finds Under $25 You Can’t Miss

As a member of various affiliate marketing programs, Localish earns a commission…
4 dead, 10 injured in mass shooting at California child's birthday party, officials say

Tragic Shooting at California Birthday Party Leaves 4 Dead, Including 3 Children; 11 Injured

STOCKTON, Calif. — A tragic mass shooting disrupted a child’s birthday celebration…