Suspect Detained for Assault at University of Texas Turning Point USA Event

Texas law enforcement has apprehended a man linked to an attack on students at a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) tent at the University of Texas at Tyler. Smith County booking records identify the suspect as Ciro Tomlian.

Footage from the incident shows a man cloaked in a cape and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, hurling an American flag to the ground and using a cane to threaten individuals. He is reportedly a former student, no longer enrolled at the institution during the episode.

Authorities have charged Tomlian with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of assault causing bodily harm, following accusations of him striking TPUSA students with a cane.

In the video, the tail end of the confrontation is captured, along with the suspect’s arrest by campus police. The suspect is seen seizing an American flag, tossing it over his shoulder, gesturing offensively towards the students, and shouting derogatory remarks. A woman warns him to retreat, and he raises his cane, swinging it near her.

Amidst chaotic exchanges, a male voice challenges Tomlian, stating, “No one’s scared of you.” Tomlian swings the cane again, reportedly hitting the speaker, until someone intervenes to retrieve the cane. Police soon intervene, handcuffing the suspect. As officers lead him away, Tomlian attempts to justify his actions as self-defense, asserting that “freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences,” while apologizing to the officers for his conduct.

The University of Texas at Tyler President, Dr. Julie V. Philley, confirmed the altercation occurred during a Turning Point USA student event. She stated that university police responded promptly, arresting the individual who is not affiliated with the campus.

The suspect is currently in custody at the Smith County jail and barred from school premises.

Elsewhere, New Hampshire police arrested a 70-year-old poet on Election Day, following allegations of him slapping a Turning Point Action volunteer outside a polling location. A video of this incident also surfaced online.

Separately, the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last year remains an open case. Tyler Robinson, the accused, has pleaded not guilty, with a trial scheduled for June 2028. Kirk’s death has left a profound impact on the organization and its supporters.