Several masked protesters were arrested at a protest against conservative pundit Ann Coulter’s speech at UC Berkeley on Wednesday, The Los Angeles Times reports.
UC Berkeley police announced that “multiple masked protesters” were arrested at the event but did not say why they were detained.
Hundreds turned out to protest Coulter’s speech, titled, “Adios, America!” The speech was advertised as a talk on the “current United States immigration system and the dangers of mass immigration.”
Protesters held signs and projected messages onto the campus building where she spoke.
“Berkeley stands united against hate,” one message said.
“Why do the Berkeley College Republicans keep inviting Nazis on campus?” said another.
Last Coulter speech was canceled:
Coulter was scheduled to speak on campus in 2017 but the event was canceled due to security concerns and protests.
Earlier in 2017, the college canceled a College Republicans event featuring then-Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos after hundreds of protesters swarmed the venue, tearing down barricades and smashing windows.
Police step up protection:
“Coulter herself was escorted in through the main doors by police. She began speaking shortly before 9:30 p.m., and was almost immediately interrupted by a protester. The protester was handcuffed and removed, according to a KPIX reporter inside Wheeler Hall Auditorium. Coulter gave a brief speech before opening the floor to a Q&A. The entire talk lasted about an hour,” SF Gate reported. “After the event was over, attendees were escorted out of a side door by police. Hundreds of demonstrators were still assembled outside as they exited.”
