Turning Point USA event at University of New Mexico ends with two arrests and a string of charges
Two men were arrested at the University of New Mexico for allegedly plotting to hurl objects at attendees of a Turning Point USA event. Kevin Castro and Harrison Magnus were both arrested on Monday by the University of New Mexico Police Department.
While court documents didn't name the event, the university's TPUSA chapter hosted a "Prove Me Wrong" event that day featuring Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins.
Video posted online by the Turning Point USA chapter shows Magnus appearing to yell at the crowd as he's being taken away by police officers who placed him in handcuffs.
Harrison Magnus was arrested on charges of conspiracy, disorderly conduct and concealing identity, according to KRQE.
Castro allegedly hurled a lacrosse ball toward the crowd, nearly striking someone, according to court documents. He was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy.
According to the documents, Magnus was allegedly talking to Castro regarding plans to throw objects into the crowd.
A University of New Mexico spokesman confirmed the arrests. He said the school supports free expression but won't tolerate violence or unlawful behavior on campus.
"UNM remains committed to providing a safe, healthy and inclusive environment for all who learn, work and live on our campuses," the spokesman said. "The university upholds freedom of expression and will not tolerate threats, violence or other conduct that violates the law or university policies."
An attorney for Magnus was contacted. It was not immediately clear if Castro had an attorney.
A day later, a 70-year-old poet was arrested in New Hampshire in a separate incident. According to the Laconia Police Department, officers took Stephen Redic into custody at around 8 a.m. Wednesday, charging him with simple assault, a misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct, a violation.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, Redic allegedly slapped Turning Point Action volunteer Rainer Vesey at a polling place outside an elementary school. Vesey's brother, Asher Vesey, recorded the incident.
According to Laconia police, as he was leaving, Redic approached the Turning Point tent wanting "to read a poem about rich people." Video of the encounter shows him growing increasingly agitated and shouting at the man before flipping him off, slapping him across the face and walking away.
Turning Point USA said the victim is an 18-year-old. A booking photo shows Redic, taken by the Laconia Police Department on Nov. 4, 2026. The two incidents have become fresh examples of tension around political events on campuses and at polling places.
