Two dozen arrested in brawl ahead of Richard Spencer speech

Michigan State University police arrested two dozen people in a fracas ahead of a speech by alt-right leader Richard Spencer.

In advance of Spencer’s appearance, an estimated 500 people, both Spencer sympathizers and protesters, gathered outside the venue on the university’s campus, according to ABC News.

Videos posted online showed demonstrators violently clashing with each other and with police. Law enforcement said that those arrested could face misdemeanor or felony charges. The protests delayed Spencer’s speech by 30 minutes.

{mosads}One of those arrested in a separate incident was Jonathan Kolanowski, a supporter of Spencer who allegedly pointed a gun at protesters. No injuries were reported, but Kolanowski was charged with illegally carrying a concealed weapon.

Photos of the brawl show at least one police officer with a bloody nose, though no serious injuries to authorities have been reported. 

Spencer is a highly controversial figure and often draws massive crowds of both protesters and supporters. The alt-right leader helped organize the “Unite the Right” white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va., last summer where one counterprotester was killed.