Feb. 9 Confrontation Leads to Physical Assault On February 9, assistant professor Luke Perez grabbed journalist Michael Newman’s phone and forced him to the floor in the Smith Laboratory Building while Newman was pursuing a follow‑up question for former OSU president E. Gordon Gee; the incident was captured on video and posted to social media[1]. Perez verbally told Newman “no” before striking the recording equipment and knocking the journalist down[1]. The footage shows Perez blocking Newman’s path and physically restraining him, prompting an immediate police response[1].

University Responds With Immediate Administrative Leave Ohio State University placed Perez on administrative leave the day after the assault, citing the seriousness of the incident and the need for a thorough investigation[1]. OSU police opened a criminal investigation, collecting video evidence and statements from witnesses[1]. The university’s administration acted quickly to distance the institution from the alleged misconduct while the legal process proceeds[1].

Legal Proceedings Set for Late February Perez was formally charged with assault and is scheduled to appear in court on February 23, where he will face potential penalties under Ohio law[1]. The charge stems directly from the physical confrontation captured on video[1]. No plea or sentencing details have been released as of the latest reporting[1].

First Amendment Concerns Highlighted by Victim Journalist Michael Newman described the attack as a violation of his civil‑rights and First Amendment protections, emphasizing that the physical injury was matched by an infringement on his right to report[1]. Newman, an Ohio State graduate, called the incident “an attack on civil rights” and stressed the broader implications for press freedom[1]. He noted that the assault threatened both his safety and his ability to conduct journalism in a university setting[1].