11 Arrests in NYU Protest at Event by Conservative Speaker

11 Arrests in NYU Protest at Event by Conservative Speaker
Row of NYPD police cars. (Maria Sbytova/Shutterstock)
The Associated Press
2/3/2017
Updated:
2/3/2017

NEW YORK—Fights that broke out at a New York University protest during an appearance by a conservative speaker have led to 11 arrests. School officials also say the speaker, Gavin McInnes, was hit by pepper spray.

McInnes is an actor, comedian and co-founder of Vice Media. He was invited to speak on campus Thursday night by the NYU College Republicans.

His appearance sparked a protest by a group called the NYU Anti-Fascists, who said that McInnes has a track record “of using incendiary language.”

When McInnes arrived, chaos erupted. NYU spokesman John Beckman says fights broke out and McInnes was hit with pepper spray. Beckman says McInnes tried to continue but stopped when protesters rushed into the room.

Those arrested face charges including criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.