Fired university teaching assistant arrested by FBI, Secret Service for allegedly threatening Trump

A former teaching assistant, fired by Illinois State University, was arrested by the FBI and Secret Service for allegedly threatening President Trump.

Derek Lopez, 27, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with threatening the president, according to the FBI, Fox News reported.

Lopez was fired after he was arrested by campus police earlier this month for allegedly flipping a table that Turning Point USA was using to promote an upcoming appearance by political commentator and comedian Alex Stein.

"The arrest follows a month-long investigation coordinated with the above agencies, which also included the Illinois State University Police Department, regarding Lopez's online and in-person activities," according to an FBI memo obtained by the media outlet. "Lopez is alleged to have recently made threats against a sitting President, which prompted the current federal charges."

Lopez had his first court appearance on Wednesday.

FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News, "The threats against President Trump allegedly posted by this individual are heinous and have no place in American society. Let this be a message to all who consider threats of violence not just against public officials, but any American, that this FBI will find you and bring you to justice. I want to thank our local partners, the El Paso PD in Illinois, as well as USSS who assisted us with this case."

Lopez allegedly said when he allegedly flipped the table: "Well, you know, Jesus did it, so you know I gotta do it, right?"

"Thanks, guys, have a great day," he also seemed to say in a video of the incident.

Lopez was charged with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.

"While Illinois State University does not comment specifically on personnel matters, we can confirm Derek Lopez has been relieved of his duties as a graduate teaching assistant pending further investigation," the university said on Oct. 20.