ATHENS, Ohio — Gun rights advocate Kaitlin Bennett was chased off the Ohio University campus by a large group of protesters Monday when she made an impromptu appearance, according to reports.
The Athens News reports that Bennett, who gained internet fame as the Kent State “gun girl," went to the campus to film a video asking students questions related to Presidents Day, which was Monday. But the News reports the appearance quickly became chaotic as hundreds of protesters surrounded her, members of her conservative activist website Liberty Hangout, and her bodyguard.
According to the Athens Post, protesters yelled at Bennett, held up middle fingers, and threw water through an open window in her truck as she left. The News reports some supporters did give Bennett hugs.
So Kent state gun girl came to Ohio University and it didn’t end well lol. #OU pic.twitter.com/3PvGxJsfOq
— ⚡️ (@LuiD59) February 17, 2020
On Twitter, Bennett claimed the appearance resulted in a “riot.” She also criticized Ohio University police, saying officers “let it happen,” and suggested President Donald Trump should strip funding from universities that “harbor terrorists.”
“It seems like the most liberal college in Ohio is also the most intolerant, the most disgusting, and the most horrific when it comes to diversity of opinion, and that’s what we’re showing here today,” Bennett said, according to the News. Bennett and her crew were on the campus less than two hours. Bennett posted a video below (contains strong language).
This is what happens when a Trump supporter goes to a college campus. Leftists at @ohiou started a riot when @Joelpatrick1776 and I showed up, and the @oupolice let it happen. I think @realDonaldTrump should strip funding from universities like this that harbor terrorists. pic.twitter.com/5TMlfdto9O
— Kaitlin Bennett (@KaitMarieox) February 17, 2020
Police released a statement saying there was “strong language” and liquids thrown, but said there was no riot, no injuries were reported and there were no arrests. Police said both Bennett and the crowd were on the campus to exercise their First Amendment rights. The department said it was given no prior notice of Bennett’s arrival, but added they did not ask her to leave.
“Although such notice is not required, the lack of it deprived the department of the ability to plan staffing levels," the statement says. “As a result, the officers on duty had to prioritize their response to the events as they unfolded, rightly putting everyone’s personal safety ahead of all other concerns.”
Bennett later tweeted that she plans to return to Ohio University with an “army” of gun owners for an open-carry walk through the campus. Still, one student tells the News she questions Bennett’s motives.
“I kind of feel like she just came here to get this reaction,” sophomore Liam McSteen tells the News. “I think it’s just kind of attention-seeking behavior. I don’t know if she thinks she’s going to change anyone’s mind out here.”