Man Arrested After Tearing Down American Flag and Attacking Students (Video)

A political confrontation at a Texas university erupted into violence Tuesday when a man dressed in a cape and wizard-style hat allegedly tore down an American flag before swinging a cane at Turning Point USA supporters, according to police and video footage of the incident.

The disturbing encounter unfolded November 10 at the University of Texas at Tyler, where members of the conservative student organization had gathered for a campus event promoting political discussion.

Authorities identified the suspect as Ciro Stephen Tomlian, 19, of Jacksonville, Texas, a former university student who was no longer enrolled at the school.

Tomlian was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of assault causing bodily injury following the confrontation, which left three people allegedly assaulted.

Video shared by Turning Point USA shows the bizarre scene escalating as the caped man approaches the group’s display, removes an American flag and throws it to the ground.

WATCH: Student tears down an American flag and assaults a TPUSA Field Rep plus two students with a prop cane after calling them “fascist pieces of s**t” during a Pick Up the Mic event at the University of Texas Tyler. Campus police swiftly arrested the student and transported him to the county jail for processing. No injuries reported. Video Credit: @Lis_Ferguson | @alannadiane_ @TPUSA

— FRONTLINES TPUSA (@FrontlinesTPUSA) November 10, 2026

The suspect then becomes increasingly confrontational, shouting profanities at the conservative activists and calling them fascists.

“Back the f— up,” he repeatedly yells while raising a cane toward people standing nearby.

As tensions intensify, a woman can be heard warning him to stay away while another person tells the suspect that nobody is afraid of him.

Moments later, the man swings the cane toward a participant, appearing to strike him before another individual rushes forward and grabs the object.

Campus police arrive almost immediately and place the suspect in handcuffs as bystanders continue filming the confrontation.

The footage captures another striking moment after the arrest.

“Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences,” the suspect can be heard saying.

He then apologizes to an officer while claiming he had been cornered during the confrontation.

“I was backed into a corner,” he says as police escort him away.

University officials confirmed that three people were assaulted during the incident, although Turning Point USA representatives indicated that no significant injuries had been reported.

UT Tyler President Dr. Julie V. Philley condemned the violence in a statement to students, emphasizing that political disagreements must not escalate into physical attacks.

“An individual, who is not a UT Tyler student, assaulted three people,” Philley said. “UT Tyler police responded immediately and arrested the individual.”

She also made clear that the university would not tolerate threats or violence against people exercising their constitutional rights.

“Everyone has the right to free speech, and violence will not be tolerated at this university,” she stated.

Authorities subsequently issued Tomlian a criminal trespass warning, barring him from returning to university property.

The incident occurred during Turning Point USA’s “Pick Up the Mic” event, an initiative encouraging students to engage in open political conversations.

The organization was founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in September 2025.

His death intensified concerns about political violence at campus events, particularly those involving prominent conservative speakers and organizations.

The Texas confrontation also drew a sharp response from Republican Congressman Nathaniel Moran, who represents the region.

“The First Amendment protects your right to speak, even to protest. It does not protect assaulting people you disagree with,” Moran said.

He praised campus police for responding quickly and stressed that violence has no place at colleges and universities.

The arrest follows another recent confrontation involving a Turning Point-affiliated organization.

On Election Day, November 3, police in New Hampshire arrested a 70-year-old man accused of slapping a Turning Point Action volunteer outside a polling location. That incident was also captured on video.

Although the two cases are separate, they have renewed discussions about political hostility and the safety of activists participating in public events.

As of Wednesday, November 11, Tomlian was being held at the Smith County Jail, according to local reports.

It was not immediately clear whether an attorney had been appointed to represent him or when his next court appearance would take place.

The suspect has not been convicted of the charges and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

For the students involved, what began as a campus political discussion ended with police intervention, criminal charges and another widely circulated video showing how quickly political disagreements can turn confrontational.