BREAKING: TPUSA journalists charged despite video evidence they defended themselves from attack by activist ASU prof

Two journalists for Turning Point USA are facing charges this week after an incident with an ASU professor in October. The two, Kalen D'Almeida and Braden Ellis, were charged in connection with their work reporting on ASU professor David Boyles, who referred to himself as the "head of recruitment" for "The Queer Agenda."

He is on the TPUSA professor watch list due to his "obsession" with sex ed and is responsible for bringing Drag Queen Story Hour to ASU in 2019.

D'Almeida was speaking with Boyles outside a campus building and walked with him down the street, asking questions. Boyles did not wish to answer, eventually became agitated, and attacked Ellis, the cameraman. Video of the incident shows that an altercation ensued.

Ellis was charged with harassment; following in public. D'Almeida was charged with harassment; repeated acts, assault with intent; reckless injure, and disorderly conduct. 

 

"Kalen and his cameraman did absolutely nothing wrong," said TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet. "We will vigorously defend them and look forward to taking this into a courtroom where the very clear video evidence documenting this incident will quickly prevail over ASU’s gaslighting and the media’s propaganda. Our team members will be vindicated."

On October 13, D'Almeida approached Boyles outside a building on ASU's campus with the goal of questioning him about Drag Queen Story Hour and his obsession with sex ed. Boyles wore a flowing skirt and carried a tote on his arm. D'Almeida spoke to Boyles as Ellis followed, shooting the conversation. Boyles immediately began to walk away, but D'Almeida continued to question him. 

Boyles eventually was so agitated that he attacked Ellis and his camera. D'Almeida pulled Boyles off of Ellis, and Boyles fell to the ground.

In describing the incident on his now private Instagram, Boyles said "One filmed on his phone while the other shouted horrible and incendiary things at me, repeating standard right-wing nonsense about Drag Story Hour and also accusing me personally of pedophilia and hating America." He called the reporters "terrorists."