Former NFL punter handcuffed, hauled out by police after MAGA protest

• Authorities arrested former NFL punter Chris Kluwe during a Huntington Beach City Council meeting where he protested a library plaque displaying the acronym “MAGA.” Kluwe contended that the display is a form of political propaganda in a taxpayer-funded space.
• The plaque commemorating the library’s 50th anniversary features words that spell out “MAGA” and alludes to a “golden era of Making America Great Again.” It ignited controversy over its perceived endorsement of the Trump movement.
• Police charged Kluwe with disrupting an assembly and released him after four hours. The city and authorities have not indicated any further action.

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Huntington Beach police arrested former NFL punter Chris Kluwe on Tuesday, Feb. 19, during a Huntington Beach City Council meeting after he protested a library plaque that features the acronym “MAGA.” Video from the meeting shows officers restraining and carrying him out of the chamber after he criticized the plaque, calling it political propaganda.

Authorities charged Kluwe with disrupting an assembly and released him after about four hours in custody. He later told reporters that his protest was not aimed at changing the minds of city officials but rather at drawing public attention to what he sees as a political message in a taxpayer-funded space.

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What is the controversy surrounding the library plaque?

The plaque, displayed at the Huntington Beach Public Library to mark its 50th anniversary, features the words “Magical,” “Alluring,” “Galvanizing” and “Adventurous.” However, it aligns to spell “MAGA.”

Below the acronym, a quote references a “golden era of Making America Great Again.”

Supporters viewed the display as a celebration of the library and its impact on the community. Critics argued that it serves as a political endorsement of the “Make America Great Again” movement associated with President Donald Trump.

How did the city council respond?

Huntington Beach’s City Council has not publicly commented on Kluwe’s arrest or the controversy surrounding the plaque.

During the meeting’s public comment session, Kluwe spoke out against the display. He argued that “MAGA” has come to represent exclusionary and anti-democratic ideals. He described the movement as a “Nazi movement” before announcing that he would engage in civil disobedience.

Shortly after stepping toward the council table, officers moved in, bringing him to the ground, handcuffing him and carrying him out. Some members of the audience cheered as Kluwe was removed from the chamber.

What is Kluwe’s background in activism?

Kluwe, 43, played eight seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings. He has long been outspoken on social issues, particularly LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality. He has previously claimed that his activism contributed to the premature end of his football career.

Following his arrest, Kluwe reiterated that his demonstration was not about the council itself but about the broader issue of political messaging in public spaces. He maintained that the plaque should be removed, arguing that public institutions should remain politically neutral.

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What happens next?

As of now, there is no indication that the city plans to take down or alter the plaque. Kluwe has not stated whether he will take further action, but the debate over the display added to ongoing discussions about the role of political messaging in public spaces.

Authorities have not announced additional charges or legal actions related to the incident. Meanwhile, Kluwe said he stands by his protest and remains committed to highlighting what he sees as an inappropriate use of public resources for political symbolism.