Things like this need to stop.
A California community college is under scrutiny after video surfaced showing a campus gathering where participants repeatedly struck a piñata designed to resemble President Donald Trump.
The footage, which was shared online by Libs of TikTok, appears to have been recorded at Contra Costa College of California. The exact date of the gathering has not been publicly confirmed, although the account that posted the video said the incident happened several months before the footage became widely circulated.
In the video, a blindfolded participant is spun around before being handed a stick and directed toward the Trump-themed piñata.
The figure is dressed in a blue suit and red baseball cap and carries a sign containing an anti-ICE message.
After several strikes, part of the piñata breaks apart. Another participant then lifts the damaged figure into the air as members of the surrounding crowd cheer.
The footage quickly drew attention online and sparked criticism over the type of political imagery being displayed on a college campus.
Libs of TikTok identified Contra Costa College counselor Lorena Gonzalez as appearing in the video and alleged that she reacted positively during the event.
Contra Costa College later issued a statement saying the school does not condone dangerous political talk and that the matter had been addressed internally as a private issue.
The college did not publicly provide additional details about what action, if any, was taken.
The incident has fueled a broader discussion about political expression on college campuses and the standards schools should apply when demonstrations involve provocative imagery targeting elected officials.
Critics argue that political disagreements should be expressed without imagery that can be interpreted as celebrating harm against public figures. Others may view the event as symbolic political expression rather than an actual threat.
The White House also criticized the incident.
Spokesperson Davis Ingle told Fox News Digital that political violence and rhetoric that appears to endorse it should be condemned. His complete statement also included sharply worded criticism of those involved.
The controversy comes as political tensions remain elevated across the United States, placing renewed attention on how colleges handle demonstrations, partisan activism and conduct involving prominent political figures.
For many Americans, the larger issue goes beyond one campus event.
The episode raises questions about where institutions should draw the line between protected political expression and conduct that could contribute to an increasingly hostile political climate.
Contra Costa College has not publicly released further details about the personnel matter referenced in its statement.