Two men were arrested Monday at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque after allegedly plotting to throw objects at attendees of a Turning Point USA event, according to the University of New Mexico Police Department and reporting by KRQE.
Kevin Castro and Harrison Magnus were taken into custody following the event, which court documents did not name but which coincided with the campus Turning Point USA chapter’s “Prove Me Wrong” program featuring Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins.
Video posted online by the university’s Turning Point USA chapter shows Magnus yelling at the crowd as officers place him in handcuffs and lead him away.
According to court documents, Castro threw a lacrosse ball toward the crowd, nearly hitting someone. He faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, disorderly conduct and conspiracy. Magnus was allegedly discussing plans with Castro to throw objects into the crowd and was charged with conspiracy, disorderly conduct and concealing identity.
A University of New Mexico spokesman confirmed the arrests and said the school supports free expression but draws the line at unlawful conduct.
“UNM remains committed to providing a safe, healthy and inclusive environment for all who learn, work and live on our campuses. The university upholds freedom of expression and will not tolerate threats, violence or other conduct that violates the law or university policies.”
It is unclear whether Castro has retained an attorney. An attorney for Magnus has been contacted for comment.
Separate incident in New Hampshire
A day later, in an unrelated case, a 70-year-old man was arrested in Laconia, Belknap County, New Hampshire, after allegedly slapping a Turning Point Action member in the face outside a polling location.
The Laconia Police Department said officers took the suspect, Stephen Redic, into custody around 8 a.m. Wednesday. He was charged with simple assault, a misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct, a violation.
Police said that as Redic was leaving the area, he approached the Turning Point tent saying he wanted “to read a poem about rich people.” Video of the encounter shows him growing increasingly agitated, shouting at a man near the tent, flipping him off, slapping him across the face and then walking away.
Turning Point USA said the person who was slapped is 18 years old.
