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

A University of Iowa student found himself in legal trouble twice within a short span, after being accused of flipping tables belonging to campus political groups. The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday, involving a table for Turning Point USA. This follows a similar alleged incident just days earlier, where the student targeted the Young America’s Foundation (YAF) group.

According to a criminal complaint, Justin Calhoon faced charges after reportedly overturning a YAF table on October 27. He was subsequently arrested on October 31, facing accusations of disorderly conduct, fifth-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree harassment, as per the arrest records.

The complaint further details that Calhoon was seen on campus surveillance footage leaving a dormitory in the early afternoon and engaging in what was described as “disruptive and aggressive behavior” towards the YAF table.

Justin Calhoon mugshot

A mugshot released by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office shows Justin Calhoon, who has been charged in connection with flipping a Turning Point USA table on the University of Iowa campus on November 5, 2025.

In the complaint, it is alleged that Calhoon disrupted the YAF gathering by overturning their table, making obscene gestures, and shouting profanities, including a vulgar suggestion, while making offensive hand gestures. Additionally, the complaint mentions that some of the YAF group’s property was damaged during the altercation.

Another complaint from the same incident highlights concerns from a female YAF member, who expressed feeling uneasy about her safety and well-being. She feared potential future threats if interactions with the organization continued.

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.

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