Ohio State Professor Charged After Assaulting Journalist on Campus

Professor on paid leave after alleged attack on independent reporter questioning former university president

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An Ohio State University professor has been issued a summons for assault following an incident involving an independent journalist on campus earlier this month. Professor Luke Perez, recently hired at the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society, allegedly assaulted Mike Newman while Newman attempted to question former OSU President Gordon Gee.

Why it matters

The incident has drawn attention to the role of independent journalists and the potential for conflict when attempting to question public figures on university grounds. It also raises concerns about academic freedom and the university's response to alleged misconduct by faculty.

The details

The incident occurred on Monday, February 9, 2026, in the Smith Laboratory building, according to reports. Video footage of the encounter, captured by DJ Byrnes for his blog, The Rooster, appears to show Perez stepping in front of Newman as Newman approached Gee with a question. The video then reportedly shows Perez hitting Newman and causing him to fall to the ground.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • As of Monday afternoon, February 16, 2026, the charges had not yet appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court.

The players

Luke Perez

An Ohio State University professor who was recently hired at the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society and has been issued a summons for assault following an incident involving an independent journalist on campus.

Mike Newman

An independent journalist who was allegedly assaulted by Professor Perez while attempting to question former OSU President Gordon Gee.

Gordon Gee

The former president of Ohio State University who was the subject of questioning by Newman when the alleged assault occurred.

DJ Byrnes

A blogger for The Rooster who captured video footage of the alleged assault.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Mike Newman, Journalist (10TV)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Professor Perez out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between academic freedom, press freedom, and the need to maintain a safe and respectful environment on university campuses. It will likely prompt further discussions about the appropriate boundaries and protocols for journalists questioning public figures in these settings.