**Former NFL Punter Chris Kluwe Arrested During Huntington Beach City Council Protest**
Chris Kluwe, a former NFL punter, was arrested on Tuesday while protesting at a City Council meeting in Huntington Beach, California. The protest centered around a proposed sign for the public library that featured the words “Magical,” “Alluring,” “Galvanizing,” and “Adventurous,” which together spell out “MAGA.” The sign’s message read, “Through hope and change our nation has built back better to the golden era of Making America Great Again!”
During the meeting, Kluwe criticized the MAGA movement, typically associated with former President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan, labeling it as “a Nazi movement.” All seven members of the Huntington Beach City Council are Republicans. At the conclusion of his speech, Kluwe declared, “I will now engage in the time-honored American tradition of peaceful civil disobedience,” before approaching the council members.
Footage shared on social media showed police swiftly arresting Kluwe, who was seen face down on the floor as a crowd cheered in support of his actions. The City Council’s livestream cut off before Kluwe reached the council members. He was subsequently carried out by three police officers, with two holding his arms and one supporting his legs. Kluwe was charged with disrupting an assembly and reported being released approximately four hours later. He expressed his belief that the plaque was more “propaganda” than a celebration of the library, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year.
Kluwe, 43, played eight seasons in the NFL, all with the Minnesota Vikings from 2005 to 2012, and had brief stints with the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks. He has been an outspoken advocate against homophobia in the NFL and has supported same-sex marriage and gay rights, claiming he was released from the Vikings due to his views on the subject.
