University of Iowa student charged after allegedly flipping political group’s table on cam

IOWA CITY, Iowa — A University of Iowa student faces multiple charges after police say he flipped over a Turning Point USA table during an on-campus event this week.

According to a criminal complaint, 19-year-old Justin Pham Calhoon was arrested Wednesday afternoon after allegedly walking up to the conservative student group’s table on the T. Anne Cleary Walkway near the Tippie College of Business and flipping it over.

The report says members of the group were offering hot chocolate when Calhoon declined and then overturned the table, laughed, and walked away. Officers said the incident disrupted the group’s event and left the members — all of whom were female — “visibly shaken.”

Turning Point USA posted the video on social media.

Calhoon is charged with disorderly conduct, third-degree harassment, and criminal mischief. He pleaded not guilty and was released without bond.

A temporary no-contact order was issued Thursday, barring Calhoon from contacting the protected person.

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A non-jury trial is scheduled for March 6, 2026, at the Johnson County Courthouse in Iowa City.