Clashes Erupt As White Nationalist Richard Spencer Speaks At Auburn
Image by Reddit/Youtube
At least three people were arrested after clashes erupted during a protest against an appearance by white U.S. nationalist Richard Spencer at Alabama’s Auburn University late on Tuesday, hours after a judge ordered the school to let him give a speech, media reported.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the university’s Foy Hall, watched by police with dogs, as Spencer’s supporters joined a packed crowd inside the auditorium, CNN and other outlets said.
We’re covering protests at Auburn. The protests have already resulted in violent encounters. #RichardSpenceratAU ?: @MBishopPhotos pic.twitter.com/XYXAQTeO2S
— The Auburn Plainsman (@TheAUPlainsman) April 18, 2017
Video footage of the protest posted on AL.com showed a man with blood on his face lying on the ground outside the hall in handcuffs before he was led away by police. A woman was also seen being taken away in cuffs during the tense, but largely peaceful rally.
Spencer hailed the judge’s decision to allow his speech, telling his audience: “We won a major victory for the alt-right,” according to AL.com.
Spencer rose from relative obscurity in the days after President Donald Trump’s Nov. 8 election victory. Auburn University officials had banned Spencer’s appearance, citing safety concerns.—Reuters
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