Minuteman Protestors Rush Stage

Protestors took the stage less than five minutes after Jim Gilchrist, founder of the Minuteman Project, took the microphone in Roone Arledge Wednesday night, sparking a chaotic brawl involving more than 30 students, other attendees, and guests of the College Republicans.

Two members of the International Socialist Organization came on stage with a yellow banner reading, "There are no illegals," a signal to others to rush the stage. Gilchrist supporters clamored on stage, fighting with the protestors while Gilchrist and the other speakers were ushered out of the auditorium.

"We were aware that there was going to be a sign and we were going to occupy the stage," said a protestor who was on stage and asked to remain anonymous. "I don't feel the need to apologize or anything. We realize there are consequences for our actions."

Columbia security officers and presidential delegates, University employees who regulate events, broke up the brawl and closed the curtains, forcing everyone to leave the auditorium and eventually the building.

University spokesman Robert Hornsby, who was present at the event, said the presidential delegates would decide the disciplinary procedures for those involved. Participating students would be dealt with under Dean's Discipline, he said, but the response for those involved from outside Columbia was still undetermined.