State College police investigating after altercation at recent protest downtown
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Police investigate disorderly conduct during protest opposing Trump deportation plan.
- Video shows heated exchange between protesters and counter-protesters downtown.
- Authorities request tips to identify individuals involved.
State College police are investigating after the department said Tuesday one man was struck in the back with a sign during a protest last week.
Borough police Lt. Chad Hamilton told the Centre Daily Times the man had a minor injury. The department issued a press release Tuesday asking for the public’s help in identifying two of the people involved in what it described as disorderly conduct.
Police said the incident occurred Thursday in the downtown State College area, the same day a group of about 50 people protested against President Donald Trump’s mass deportation effort.
In a video recorded by the CDT, a handful of protesters — including the two who appeared to be in the police department’s release — and two counter-protesters went back-and-forth for several minutes during a heated, profanity-laced interaction.
When one of the protester’s signs lowered, a man swiped at it and kicked. A protester wearing a green shirt then jabbed his “F--- Trump” sign — which appeared to be stapled to a wooden pole — into the man’s back.
He could be heard saying “I have a broken rib” before using a homophobic slur.
Police asked those with information to call 814-234-7150, email police@statecollegepa.us or submit an anonymous tip online.
At least 50 people chanted and marched Thursday during the protest of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Penn State and the borough said last week they were not aware of any ICE activity in their jurisdiction.