Police: Supporter of Richard Spencer aimed gun at protesters
A supporter of alt-right leader Richard Spencer was arrested in Michigan on Sunday after he allegedly aimed a gun at individuals protesting the white nationalist.
Pittsfield Township authorities say Jonathan Kolanowski pulled a gun and pointed it at protesters after a dispute broke out between Spencer’s supporters and those protesting him.
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While no injuries were reported, Kolanowski was charged with illegally carrying a concealed weapon.
He was later arraigned and given $3,000 bond.
Spencer is set to speak at Michigan State University (MSU) on Monday, the school’s first day of spring break.
However, hundreds of people protesting Spencer’s appearance gathered on the university’s campus prior to the alt-right leader’s arrival.
Pure chaos right now ahead of Richard Spencer’s appearance on MSU’s campus pic.twitter.com/tsJi6TMgQX
— Alexandra Ilitch (@WLNSAlexandra) March 5, 2018
I’ve arrived at the Pavilon at #MSU. Very solid place. It’s secure, and the police are admirably professional.
This is going to be a fun, inspiring, and SAFE event!
— Richard Spencer (@RichardBSpencer) March 5, 2018
The venue and date of Spencer’s speech were agreed upon after Cameron Padgett, who organizes Spencer’s speeches, sued MSU after the university denied his request to rent a space on campus.
MSU said the agreement was “based on the university’s requirement that the event occur at a date and at a venue that minimizes the risk of violence or disruption to campus.”
Spencer is considered a highly controversial figure due to his involvement in the alt-right movement.
He often draws raucous crowds and protests to his events.
Spencer helped organize the rally in Charlottesville, Va., in August, which turned violent and led to the death of one person.
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