Tyler residents witnessed a violent incident on the University of Texas at Tyler campus on Tuesday, Nov. 10, when a 19‑year‑old former student disrupted a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) display. The suspect, identified as Ciro Tomlian, approached the group, tore down an American flag, and swung a cane at members, prompting police intervention.
According to Fox News, TPUSA campus coordinator Davis Thrower and field representative Janae Jenson described the confrontation on “Fox & Friends,” noting that Tomlian repeatedly insulted the group before the physical altercation began. Video released by the outlet shows Tomlian wearing a cape and a round‑brimmed hat as he attacked the students, who can be heard urging him to stop and warning that police were nearby.
University of Texas at Tyler police arrested Tomlian shortly after the incident. University officials and local reports state he faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of assault causing bodily injury, stemming from accusations that he struck TPUSA members with the cane.
Jenson told Fox News that the incident was unexpected, especially because she described UT Tyler as a “small” and “mostly conservative” campus. She warned that the episode reflects a broader pattern of hostility toward conservative students, saying, “Our students face threats of violence and mean words all the time on the daily. So, I mean something like this is bound to happen eventually.” Thrower added that media and online interactions have radicalized individuals and highlighted a national mental‑health crisis.
10BM News and JingleTree, both republishing the Fox News report, echoed the same details, confirming Tomlian’s age, the charges filed, and the TPUSA members’ statements about growing campus hostility toward conservative voices.
University officials emphasized that the campus remains committed to open dialogue and that law‑enforcement actions were swift to protect student safety. The incident underscores ongoing concerns among Tyler families about preserving free‑speech rights and a safe learning environment for all students.
What’s next: Tomlian will appear in local court to address the assault charges. UT Tyler officials say they will continue to monitor campus events and work with police to ensure a secure environment for future student activities.
Sources: foxnews.com, foxnews.com, 10bmnews.com, jingletree.com
