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KENT, Ohio – Protesters exercised their first and second amendment rights during an open march that sparked dialogue with opponents and resulted in multiple arrests on the Kent State University campus on Saturday.
Starting at 2 pm, protesters marched alongside Kent's recent graduate, Kaitlin Bennett, known as the "gun girl" after a photo of her wearing an AR- 10 and his graduation cap became viral last May.
Bennett wore her AR-10 on Saturday, while she was walking with other protesters carrying their own semi-automatic weapons.
Bennett said the goal of the event was to create a dialogue on campus transfer and change the university's policy on concealment.
Counter-protesters also attended the march, expressing their opposition to Bennett's agenda. The counter-demonstrators were not affiliated with any particular group.
And, when asked what their agenda was, counter-protesters told Fox 8 that they did not know why they were present.
Kent State University President Beverly Warren reiterated the non-affiliation of the university to both groups.
Warren said, "We thought this day could be challenging as opposing party groups from outside came to our campus to exercise their freedom of assembly and to be heard. that Kent State University did not sponsor these events, nor do we endorse all the groups that were present on our campus today. "
This came after the university strengthened security for the event.
Kent State University President Beverly Warren said, "We made a call for mutual help and the answer was simply overwhelming.The work of the police here today is exemplary. thank them for their services and the conservation of Kent State University – our students, faculty and staff and our visitors safely. "
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, soldiers from across the state attended the march at the request of the university. Troops have been sent to Columbus, Toledo, Warren, Lima and other parts of Ohio to assist.
A first report indicated that the Kent University police had arrested five people during Saturday's open running. Later, KSU police confirmed that only four people were arrested. All people were arrested for disorderly conduct and one of those arrested was also charged with assaulting a police officer.
The police have not yet released the names or any other information regarding these arrests.
The Metro Swat team also helped the KSU police, according to the OSHP. Officials said the KSU had called for new control measures to prevent the situation from escalating.
At 5:35 pm the university announced via Twitter that the demonstration had cleared the campus and that normal activities had resumed.
Although there were tense interactions between protesters and counter-protesters, officials say that, overall, things have remained relatively controlled, with few physical or violent confrontations.
"Today's events have resulted in minimal violence and injury and no damage to the university premises," Warren said.
You can watch the full press conference of the university on Facebook here.
Continuous coverage, here.
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