Heavy patrols tied to Coulter protest

BERKELEY, Calif. — The University of California at Berkeley, known as the home of the American free-speech movement, was under heavy police watch Thursday in advance of what was expected to be a large protest over a canceled appearance by conservative commentator Ann Coulter.

Dozens of police wearing flak jackets and carrying 40mm launchers that shoot “foam batons” flanked the university’s main plaza while a small group of protesters who condemn Coulter staged one of two earlier rallies off-campus. Officers also took selfies with students to lighten the mood.

Police erected barricades and refused to let participants enter the campus.

Coulter supporters said the university was attempting to silence their views. The author said she was forced to cancel a speaking event at the university, although she added that she might still “swing by to say hello” to her supporters.