Michigan student protest turns violent

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Fights broke out Monday as protesters gathered to counter a speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer on the campus of Michigan State University.

Hours before the speech began, police blocked access to the venue as protesters, including some masked anti-fascists, gathered outside and as hundreds marched toward the venue, shouting, “Nazis go home!”

A group of people marching down the road toward the speech venue were blocked by protesters. Shouts turned to punches thrown at protesters. More police arrived, lining both sides of the road leading into the venue, snapping cuffs on people and restoring calm.

A circle of officers protected those wishing to go in, but two people were pushed to the ground. Another man wanting to attend the event was pelted with sticks, dirt and cans by protesters.

Capt. Doug Monette, a spokesman for the university’s Police Department, said two dozen arrests were made. He said there were some weapons charges, as well as charges of hindering and obstructing.

Spencer said Monday evening that “what happened outside was really worrisome and heinous.”

“That was an attempt to use violence to prevent people from attending a speech that was peaceful,” he said.

Spencer said more than 150 tickets had been distributed but that many were not able to get through the chaos outside. But he was able to deliver a speech, he said, though it was curtailed after the mob of protesters caused the event to start late.

The MSU campus is on spring break this week, which is not a coincidence. The timing and the venue of the speech were chosen to minimize the risk of violence and disruption to campus, according to university officials.

The Pavilion for Agriculture is a small arena well south of the campus’s developed core. Beyond it is farmland used primarily for research.