Man Taken Into Custody Outside Political Event In Tampa
The Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Tampa, Florida, was briefly disrupted last week when a protester identified as Trevor Smith allegedly attempted to provoke and assault attendees outside the venue. Law enforcement swiftly intervened, and Smith now faces multiple charges, including battery, resisting arrest, and driving under the influence.
Video footage captured by Blaze Media national correspondent Julio Rosas documents the sequence of events. The protester is seen approaching a group of attendees and engaging in confrontational behavior. According to the footage, Smith taunted the crowd and allegedly shoved at least one individual before police stepped in. A uniformed officer is seen hopping a security barrier, tackling Smith to the ground, and detaining him on the spot.
: Unhinged leftist stops his car in the middle of the road to charge towards SAS attendees. He attacks a man, runs away from police, trips, and gets arrested. pic.twitter.com/Yn6ePzioxy
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) July 12, 2025
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Smith remains in custody as of Sunday. In addition to the physical altercation, arrest records confirm that Smith was charged with DUI, suggesting he was operating a vehicle while intoxicated prior to the incident. Authorities have not released Smith’s blood alcohol content at the time of arrest.
The incident marks a recurring pattern of political protests escalating into physical confrontations, especially at high-profile conservative gatherings. Smith’s actions appeared targeted, and his attempt to engage the crowd physically marked a clear departure from peaceful protest.
Officials have emphasized that in Florida, such conduct carries legal consequences. Unlike in jurisdictions where protest-related arrests are often dismissed or lightly punished, law enforcement in Florida has maintained a zero-tolerance policy for violent or disruptive acts near political venues.
UPDATE: The man in the video is Trevor Smith. Along with being charged with battery and resisting arrest, he is also being charged with driving under the influence.
He is still in jail, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. https://t.co/FaxFaxqdaZ pic.twitter.com/qid1kxbWyl
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) July 13, 2025
Organizers of the Student Action Summit, including Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, have not yet issued a formal statement but have reposted the footage online, citing it as an example of increasing hostility toward conservative students and speakers.
The investigation into Smith’s actions remains ongoing. No injuries were reported among the attendees.