Two members of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization, have pleaded not guilty to the assault and harassment of a queer Arizona State University professor, as reported by Phoenix New Times. Kalen Christian D'Almeida and Braden Joel Ellis were charged following an altercation on ASU's campus on October 11, where Professor David Boyles sustained a head injury.
The confrontation escalated quickly, with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office stepping in to take over the misdemeanor case due to the public nature of the university. During the incident, D’Almeida was accused of pushing Boyles to the ground as Ellis filmed the exchange. According to a Phoenix New Times report, the charges against D'Almeida include assault, disorderly conduct, and harassment, while Ellis faces a charge of harassment.
Security footage released by ASU revealed the aftermath of the edited encounter that was shared by Turning Point on X. In this unedited footage, D'Almeida is seen pushing Boyles, who then reaches his hand toward the phone camera before the video abruptly ends. The organization has claimed that a "disconnected wire" caused the video interruption and insists that Boyles was the aggressor, as stated in a Phoenix New Times article.
🚨ASU Professor assaults TPUSA cameraman, caught on video 🚨
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) October 13, 2023
Our TPUSA Frontlines reporter tried to ask self-professed “sex education obsessed” queer ASU Professor David Boyles, a few simple questions. Refusing to answer, our cameras caught the exact moment Mr. Boyles assaulted,… pic.twitter.com/YJWBEzSgRx
The incident has sparked considerable controversy, especially since it occurred on National Coming Out Day. It wasn't the first time Boyles had been targeted by Turning Point; his work in establishing a chapter of Drag Queen Story Hour in Arizona landed him on the organization's Professor Watchlist. ASU President Michael Crow has openly criticized Turning Point for its actions and previously demanded that ASU professors be removed from the watchlist. He referred to D’Almeida and Ellis as "cowards" and "bullies," as Phoenix New Times reported. Meanwhile, Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet strongly defended D'Almeida and Ellis, claiming, "Our team members will be vindicated."
In the midst of the legal proceedings, a petition has emerged among ASU students calling for a ban on Turning Point from the campus. This petition drive appears to be gaining traction, pointing to concerns over the representation and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in academic environments. For all parties involved, the awaiting trial will undoubtedly be a keenly watched event, with outcomes that may extend far beyond the confines of the courtroom.
