Ohio State Professor Charged with Assault After Confrontation with Journalist

Assistant professor Luke Perez placed on leave following incident with independent reporter Michael Newman

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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An Ohio State University assistant professor named Luke Perez has been charged with assault following a confrontation with an independent journalist, Michael Newman, who was attempting to interview former university president E. Gordon Gee. The incident was captured on video and shows Perez allegedly knocking recording equipment from Newman's hand and then grabbing him around the head and shoulder, causing Newman to fall to the ground. University police are investigating the incident, and Perez has been placed on leave by the university.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about freedom of the press and the right of journalists to safely report on matters of public interest, even at a university setting. It also highlights the need for universities to have clear policies in place to protect the rights of members of the media and to address any confrontations or altercations that may occur.

The details

According to the report, the incident occurred on Monday evening in the Smith Laboratory Building at Ohio State University. Video posted on social media shows Newman, an independent journalist who is an Ohio State graduate, attempting to ask former university president E. Gordon Gee 'just one more' question when Perez, an assistant professor, intervened and told Newman 'no.' The video then shows Perez allegedly knocking the recording equipment from Newman's hand and grabbing him around the head and shoulder, causing Newman to fall to the ground.

  • The incident occurred on Monday evening, February 13, 2026.
  • Perez was placed on leave by the university on Tuesday, February 14, 2026, one day after the reported incident.

The players

Luke Perez

An assistant professor in the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society at Ohio State University, with expertise in U.S. foreign policy, ethics of war, and religious studies. He is also a 12-year veteran of the Air National Guard.

Michael Newman

An independent journalist who is an Ohio State University graduate, and was attempting to interview former university president E. Gordon Gee when the confrontation with Perez occurred.

E. Gordon Gee

The former president of Ohio State University, who was the subject of the interview that Newman was attempting to conduct when the confrontation occurred.

Ben Johnson

A spokesperson for Ohio State University.

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What they’re saying

“As bad as my injury was, my First Amendment rights were violated — and that's just as bad.”

— Michael Newman, Independent Journalist (10tv.com)

“We must protect the rights of journalists to safely report on matters of public interest, even in a university setting.”

— Ben Johnson, Ohio State University Spokesperson (10tv.com)

What’s next

The university has placed Perez on leave and is conducting an investigation into the incident. The results of the investigation and any potential disciplinary actions against Perez will be closely watched by the media and the public.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of universities upholding the rights of journalists and ensuring that members of the media can safely report on matters of public interest without fear of confrontation or assault. It also underscores the need for clear policies and training to address such situations and protect the freedom of the press.