An Ohio State University professor has been suspended following an alleged physical altercation with a cameraman, captured on video and circulated online, according to the NY Post.
Luke Perez, an assistant professor in the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, was in a Smith Laboratory hallway speaking with two freelance reporters on February 9 when the situation escalated.
According to reports and footage shared on Instagram by DJ Byrnes, one of the reporters — identified as Michael Neuman — attempted to walk past Perez when the professor allegedly snatched at Neuman’s phone. Moments later, Perez is seen grabbing the journalist and dropping him to the floor in what appeared to be a sudden tackle.
Byrnes, claims Neuman, a documentarian, was trying to question Ohio State vice president E. Gordon Gee on student loan debt.
The video quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread reaction and raising questions about faculty conduct and media access on campus.
University officials confirmed that Perez has been placed on administrative leave while the matter is under investigation. The university stated it is reviewing the incident and gathering additional information before determining further action.
It is unclear at this time whether criminal charges will be filed. The investigation remains ongoing.
