Police Escort Spencer Supporters from University of Florida Event

White nationalist Richard Spencer’s supporters were escorted by police amid protests following his speech at the University of Florida on Thursday, October 19. Hundreds of protesters rallied outside the venue, and protests erupted as Spencer spoke.

Police were seen escorting Spencer’s supporters from the building as protesters chanted “Nazi scum.” A large police presence, including state troopers, was on hand in case of problems. Gov Rick Scott declared a state of emergency earlier this week for Spencer’s appearance.

University of Florida officials have faced criticism for allowing Spencer to speak on campus, but officials said they were required to allow the speech – a private affair – because the university is a public entity. Spencer originally applied to speak on September 12, but university officials rejected his application, citing a security risk because of how soon it was after the events in Charlottesville. Credit: Twitter/its_taylorrr12 via Storyful