Two men were arrested Monday after an alleged plan to throw objects at attendees of a Turning Point USA event at the University of New Mexico. Kevin Castro faces aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and conspiracy charges after allegedly throwing a lacrosse ball toward the crowd. Harrison Magnus was arrested on conspiracy, disorderly conduct and concealing-identity charges. The arrests were followed by an unrelated New Hampshire case involving a man accused of slapping a Turning Point Action volunteer.
University police said the campus supports free expression but will not tolerate violence, threats or unlawful conduct. The cases remain allegations, and the available reports do not establish whether either New Mexico defendant has entered a plea.
| 1) | Arrests follow alleged plan at campus event |
| 2) | Charges filed against the two New Mexico men |
| 3) | University reiterates free-expression and safety policies |
| 4) | Separate New Hampshire confrontation leads to arrest |
| 5) | Cases remain subject to court proceedings |
Arrests follow alleged plan at campus event
The University of New Mexico Police Department arrested Kevin Castro and Harrison Magnus on Monday after they attended a Turning Point USA event on the Albuquerque campus. Court documents described an alleged plan to throw objects toward people attending the gathering. The event was associated with the university’s Turning Point USA chapter and was identified in reports as a “Prove Me Wrong” program featuring Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins.
Video posted by the campus chapter showed Magnus appearing to yell at the crowd while officers escorted him away in handcuffs. The investigation focused on conduct at or connected with the event and the alleged risk posed to attendees.
Charges filed against the two New Mexico men
According to court documents, Castro allegedly hurled a lacrosse ball toward the crowd and nearly struck someone. He was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, disorderly conduct and conspiracy. The aggravated-assault allegation is based on the claim that the object was used in a way that could have caused harm.
Magnus was allegedly involved in a conversation with Castro about plans to throw objects into the crowd. Police arrested him on charges of conspiracy, disorderly conduct and concealing identity. An attorney for Magnus was contacted for comment, while it was not immediately clear whether Castro had legal representation.
University reiterates free-expression and safety policies
A University of New Mexico spokesman confirmed the arrests and said the school’s policies protect lawful expression while addressing conduct that threatens campus safety. The university did not indicate that the event itself had been canceled or provide additional details about the alleged planning.
“UNM remains committed to providing a safe, healthy and inclusive environment for all who learn, work and live on our campuses. The university upholds freedom of expression and will not tolerate threats, violence or other conduct that violates the law or university policies.”
The statement places the arrests within the university’s broader approach to political events and demonstrations, where participants may express opposing views but remain subject to criminal law and campus rules.
Separate New Hampshire confrontation leads to arrest
The New Mexico arrests were followed by an unrelated incident outside a polling location in New Hampshire. Police in Laconia said officers took 70-year-old Stephen Redic into custody after an encounter with a Turning Point Action volunteer outside an elementary school.
According to police, Redic approached a Turning Point tent because he wanted to read a poem about wealthy people. Video of the encounter appeared to show him arguing with the volunteer, shouting, making an obscene gesture, slapping the man in the face and leaving. Turning Point USA said the person struck was 18 years old.
Cases remain subject to court proceedings
Redic was charged with simple assault, a misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct, a violation. The New Hampshire case is separate from the University of New Mexico investigation and involves different alleged conduct, people and law-enforcement agencies.
The New Mexico defendants and Redic are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Further court action will determine how prosecutors proceed, whether additional evidence is presented and whether the defendants enter pleas or seek legal resolutions.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two men were arrested after an alleged plan to throw objects at a University of New Mexico event. |
| 2 | Kevin Castro faces aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, disorderly conduct and conspiracy charges. |
| 3 | Harrison Magnus faces conspiracy, disorderly conduct and concealing-identity charges. |
| 4 | University officials said free expression remains protected, but threats and unlawful conduct are not tolerated. |
| 5 | A separate New Hampshire incident resulted in simple-assault and disorderly-conduct charges against Stephen Redic. |
Summary
The University of New Mexico arrests stem from allegations that objects were to be thrown toward attendees at a political campus event. A separate New Hampshire arrest involved an alleged slap of a Turning Point Action volunteer. Both cases will proceed through the relevant criminal justice systems, where the allegations will be tested in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in New Mexico?
Kevin Castro and Harrison Magnus were arrested by the University of New Mexico Police Department after attending a Turning Point USA event on campus.
What charges does Kevin Castro face?
Castro faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, disorderly conduct and conspiracy after allegedly throwing a lacrosse ball toward the crowd.
What happened in the separate New Hampshire case?
Police said 70-year-old Stephen Redic slapped a Turning Point Action volunteer outside a polling location. He was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct.
