Milo Yiannopoulos Protest

The presence of Milo Yiannopoulos at CU resulted in the clash of more than just his supporters and opposers. Set in front of the mathematics building where his event was to take place, activists from both side of the political scale butted heads over issues ranging from gay and transgender rights to the recently elected Donald Trump. Protesters braved below-freezing temperatures to get their message out, often with backlash coming from both sides. While major headlines will focus on the number of arrests made or the occasional tiff between participants, the bulk of protesters were dedicated to a passionate, yet peaceful protest. The unsung heroes of this event were those on both sides who put themselves in harm's way to separate any physical conflicts that arose. Despite a heavy police presence outfitted in riot gear, the crowd management was handled with a clear emphasis on safety rather than stifling the public display. Regardless, the entirety of the event was not always peaceful, both liberals and conservatives traded personal and political attacks that reached their peak as attendees of Milo's presentation exited the building. Greeted by the large group, Milo supporters were involved in several small altercations that led to the detainment of two protestors before both parties dispersed and went their separate ways.