Punter Arrested After Fiery Protest Against “MAGA” Library Plaque
Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe’s outspoken activism landed him in handcuffs this week after he disrupted a Huntington Beach city council meeting. Kluwe’s target: a plaque at the local library, featuring the acronym “MAGA,” which he vehemently condemned as a tribute to what he described as a “Nazi movement.”
Kluwe’s passionate speech, laced with strong accusations, centered on the plaque’s intended meaning. He asserted that “MAGA is profoundly corrupt, unmistakably anti-democracy and most importantly, MAGA is explicitly a Nazi movement.” He went further, drawing parallels between the movement and historical atrocities, claiming it was a “red hat” version of a swastika and accusing it of promoting harmful policies.
His protest escalated when he declared his intention to engage in “peaceful civil disobedience” and walked onto the meeting’s stage. While his words were met with cheers and applause from some, others called for his removal. Law enforcement intervened, and Kluwe was arrested and charged with disrupting an assembly. He was released after four hours in custody, later acknowledging the police’s professionalism.
The controversy highlights the deep political divisions surrounding the “MAGA” acronym. The Huntington Beach city council, comprised entirely of conservatives, defended the plaque, with one member, Gracey Van Der Mark, criticizing Kluwe’s protest as “not peaceful” and claiming it caused alarm.
Kluwe, known for his vocal stances on social issues throughout his NFL career, has long been a figure of controversy. He has previously alleged that his support for same-sex marriage contributed to his release from the Minnesota Vikings. This incident underscores his continued commitment to challenging what he perceives as injustice, even at the risk of arrest. This willingness to face consequences for his beliefs was evident in his own words, as he once stated, “I felt that this was something important that needed to come out and if that’s the price I have to pay, then that’s the price I have to pay.” His actions in Huntington Beach demonstrate that he remains steadfast in this conviction.